The premiere of *The Shallows* was as vibrant and eye-catching as the movie itself, with a massive poster draped over the Chief Rock Theater, the walls above the entrance completely consumed by the dramatic image of beaches, surfboards, bikinis, and the lurking terror of a great white shark. It was impossible to ignore, the poster alone seemed to tell a thrilling story.
Beneath the towering display, a red carpet stretched out in front of the theater, flanked by throngs of young fans, mostly teenage girls who had gathered on either side, holding handmade signs and posters of Blake Lively, the star of the evening. The air was electric, filled with excitement and anticipation as the girls chanted and waved their signs, which were emblazoned with slogans like:
"Women are independent and strong!"
"Girls supporting girls!"
"Empowerment through unity!"
This wasn't just another movie premiere, it felt like a celebration of female strength, and Blake Lively, known for her glamorous yet relatable roles, had been perfectly positioned as the embodiment of this message in the film's marketing campaign. She wasn't just a gossip queen anymore. Tonight, she was the face of an independent woman, ready to face whatever life or in this case, a shark threw at her.
As Blake stepped onto the red carpet, the crowd erupted in shrill cheers, a wave of sound that followed her as she moved toward her fans. Beaming, she stopped to sign autographs, pausing to talk and take selfies with them, her excitement as palpable as theirs. This moment was special for her. After a decade in the industry, this was her first leading role in a major film, and the fans made sure she felt their support.
The premiere, though intimate in scale, had a certain warmth to it. Aside from the main cast and crew, there were no A-list celebrities filling the seats just the people who had worked hard to bring the film to life. The sense of camaraderie was evident when the entire cast, led by Blake and the director, Martin, gathered in front of the sponsor's backdrop for a group photo. Blake, in particularly high spirits, kept her hand on Martin's arm, laughing and posing for the cameras.
After the photo op, the host pulled Martin and Blake aside for a quick interview. The energy was light, and the crowd leaned in, curious to hear more about how this film came to be.
"It's said that Blake was your first choice for the lead before the script was even written?" the host asked Martin, clearly fishing for a great story.
Martin, always one to craft the perfect soundbite, smiled knowingly. "To be precise, it was because of Blake that *The Shallows* even exists," he revealed. "We were working on *John Wick 3*, and Blake mentioned her love for swimming and surfing. That's when the idea hit me, why not make a movie about surfing? Around the same time, she'd just watched *Jaws* and was terrified, and that's when I thought, what if we combined the two? A surfing movie with a shark twist, it was a perfect fit."
Blake laughed at the memory as Martin turned to her, his expression filled with admiration. "Blake is the heart of this film. Without her, there wouldn't be *The Shallows*. The entire crew witnessed her strength and dedication during filming. She's not only incredibly smart but also one of the toughest people I've worked with."
The host smiled, sensing the genuine affection between the director and his leading lady. Turning to Blake, they asked, "Your fans have been following this movie closely on social media. Do you have anything to say to them?"
Blake grinned, always quick with a witty reply. "Just remember, sharks can strike when you least expect it. Stay focused and alert!"
The host laughed along with the audience. "Well, we can't wait to see how you handle that shark on screen!"
With the interview wrapped, Blake and Martin headed inside the theater, ready to watch the fruits of their labor with the audience. As they entered, Martin was stopped by Bruce, his assistant, who handed him a phone. "Robert just sent a message," Bruce whispered.
Martin nodded, excusing himself from Blake. "I need to take this call. I'll join you inside shortly."
Blake smiled warmly, unfazed. "I'll be waiting for you in the screening room."
Martin stepped aside, dialing Robert's number. When the call connected, he got straight to the point. "Are you ready?"
On the other end of the line, Robert, the high priest of the Coca-Cola Cult, responded. "I've made a few adjustments to the ritual, but it's all set."
Martin, seeking reassurance, nodded. "Good. Stick to your instincts; this is what you're best at."
"I'm starting now," Robert said before hanging up.
Meanwhile, across the country on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Robert stood inside the headquarters of the Coca-Cola Cult. With his bald head glistening under the dim lights, he meticulously placed the poster of *The Shallows*, mailed to him by Martin, on the wall behind the altar. This was Martin's directorial debut, and Robert knew the ritual had to be perfect, an extra step had been added, something unique to this project.
As Robert began the ceremony, Martin returned to the theater, a sense of calm washing over him. Everything was falling into place. This was more than a film premiere, it was the culmination of vision, passion, and a little bit of ritual magic.
Robert didn't fully understand the exact impact of what he was doing. In truth, it reminded him of the early days when Martin landed his first major role. Back then, a simple Coca-Cola bottle, one that Martin had touched, became something of a talisman, almost mystical in its importance. It felt silly, but Martin believed in it, so Robert followed along without question.
He knew one of his most crucial roles in Martin's life was to be a source of calm, a constant presence that helped Martin feel grounded. Tonight was no different. With a sense of ritual, Robert carefully pulled out a glass bottle of Coca-Cola, one that had been manufactured in 2003. He handled it delicately, as if it held the secret to the film's success, and rubbed it with olive oil as if performing some sacred rite. Then, placing it reverently on a wooden altar in front of the poster for *The Shallows*, he whispered softly, "Box office hit… box office hit…"
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Martin put his phone away. For reasons he couldn't quite explain, Robert's small ritual gave him a newfound sense of confidence about the movie. It wasn't logical, but then again, Hollywood rarely was.
Bruce, walking beside him, couldn't help but joke, "You know, sometimes it feels like Robert is the secret sauce behind your success."
Martin laughed, a warm, knowing chuckle. "You're not wrong. Without Robert, I would've had to take a lot more detours in this business."
The two of them walked through a side corridor, eventually joining the rest of the film's crew as they prepared to enter the screening room. The air was buzzing with anticipation. Inside, the applause began as Martin waved to the audience, graciously taking his seat in the first row. It wasn't long before familiar faces came over to greet him.
Alan Horn, a prominent figure in the industry, leaned in to shake hands. Just behind him, Martin spotted Robert Iger, the powerhouse executive of Disney. "Bob, you're here too?" Martin said, genuinely surprised.
Iger flashed a broad smile. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. It's your directorial debut. I had to come witness history."
Martin grinned, though he felt a little bashful. "You're exaggerating," he said, deflecting the praise.
But Iger, ever the smooth talker, shook his head. "Not at all. I've always said you have the potential to be the next Clint Eastwood. And you know what? You've got advantages that Eastwood didn't have at your age."
Martin chuckled at the compliment, but deep down, he knew his limits. "I appreciate the kind words. Let's hope this film lives up to expectations."
In his heart, Martin understood what Iger was hinting at. Clint Eastwood was a legend, a director who had helmed nearly thirty films by the time his career really took off. Martin was just starting. He admired Eastwood not just for his talent, but for his sheer perseverance, a quality he hoped to emulate.
As the conversation wrapped up, Martin turned back toward the screen, knowing the movie was about to begin. Before he could settle in, Blake Lively, the star of *The Shallows*, slid into the seat next to him.
"I forgot to ask," Blake said with an inquisitive smile. "What's your box office estimate for this film?"
Martin didn't hesitate. He had run the numbers in his head dozens of times. "Based on pre-sales, the film's already close to $10 million. We're expecting the North American opening weekend to be at least $20 million."
Blake nodded thoughtfully. "And after the first weekend? What do you think?"
Martin leaned in slightly, his voice more serious now. "It'll depend on word of mouth. The early box office will mostly come from our fans, but after that, it's all about whether the audience likes it."
Blake understood the stakes. "So the future box office will depend on the buzz?"
"Exactly," Martin confirmed. "Audience reactions could make or break us."
Behind them, in the second row, Robert Iger and Alan Horn were having a quiet conversation of their own. The subject, unsurprisingly, was Martin and the potential future he had as a director.
"I think we should include an option in our contract with Martin," Alan Horn suggested. "We could sign him for a director distribution deal. That would lock in future projects."
Iger, always the pragmatic businessman, nodded but remained cautious. "Let's wait and see how this film performs first. If the audience loves it, then we move forward."
Horn agreed easily. "Fair enough," he said, leaning back in his seat, satisfied for the moment.
In Iger's mind, there was no question that Martin had the raw talent. The man had money, resources, and an uncanny ability to harness both into something that could generate massive box office returns. That kind of skill wasn't something every director had. He could see that Martin had the potential to be a major force in Hollywood, perhaps even bigger than the studio had initially anticipated.
As the movie finally began, the room fell silent. The opening scene was stark, with 99 percent of the film taking place in the secluded bay where Blake Lively's character would spend the majority of her time. It was a one-woman show for the most part, with only a handful of supporting characters, most of whom were little more than shark bait, there to show just how deadly the great white lurking beneath the waves truly was.
And as the tension built on screen, Martin couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This was it, the culmination of months of hard work. Whatever happened next, this was the moment where everything came together, and for now, it felt like the world was at his feet.
This is a modern-day *Beauty and the Beast* tale, but with a twist, there's no charming prince or dashing hero. In *The Shallows*, the beast is a ruthless shark, and the beauty? Blake Lively, playing a fierce, determined woman locked in a life-or-death battle. The film is all about survival, and it's entirely up to her.
Throughout the movie, Blake's character is clad in nothing but a bikini, showcasing her toned, athletic physique, but it's not just about looks. She's resourceful, brave, and incredibly resilient. After being brutally injured, she doesn't crumble; instead, she pushes through the pain, fighting the relentless shark for two grueling days. In the end, she doesn't just survive, she triumphs, slaying the shark and rescuing herself in the ultimate act of self-reliance.
This film reflects a significant shift in storytelling, gone are the days when princesses waited passively for a prince's rescue. Now, the heroines take charge, saving themselves without the need for a male savior. And Blake embodies this perfectly.
In the past, Blake Lively's roles had often been dismissed as "vase" characters, beautiful to look at, but with little substance. But here, while there are still whispers of that label, her performance in *The Shallows* marks a noticeable evolution. Her portrayal of fear, desperation, courage, and sheer willpower is so raw and authentic that the audience is right there with her, feeling every tense moment as she fights for survival. It's no exaggeration to say that this role represents a turning point in her career, one that Martin helped bring to life with his direction.
As the end credits rolled and the lights slowly came up, Robert Iger leaned over, whispering to Allen Horn, "This was well-crafted. It's not just a mindless, bloody survival flick. Every shot, every effect, and even the score, everything was executed with care."
Allen nodded in agreement. "The film cost $25 million to make, but you can see every penny on the screen. From the realistic ocean visuals to the details of the shark and the wounds, it all feels authentic. Martin really knew how to allocate the budget effectively."
Iger smiled. "That's rare for a first-time director."
And Iger wasn't wrong. Many directors, especially those with as much power as Martin had on this project, tend to lose control, letting their egos or lack of experience get the best of them. They burn through budgets and leave investors pulling their hair out. James Cameron's early projects were notorious for going way over budget, and the Wachowskis? Their films often left studios scratching their heads with bloated budgets and confusing plots.
But *The Shallows* was different. As the applause began to rise in the theater, some audience members were on their feet, giving a standing ovation. Others clapped politely, acknowledging the film's craftsmanship, even if they weren't blown away. It was a solid movie, not a groundbreaking masterpiece, but a well-executed, thrilling ocean survival story that surprised more than a few people.
In the eyes of the fans, *The Shallows* was a refreshing take on the shark-attack genre. It wasn't just another bloody monster movie, it was clean, sharp, and full of suspense.
Amid the applause, Martin stood up, turning to hug Louise, who had supported him from the very beginning. "Thank you," he said earnestly. "Without you, this movie wouldn't exist."
Louise gave him a proud smile. "You did an incredible job," she said, her voice full of encouragement. She knew Martin wasn't a natural-born director, but he had worked hard, really hard to get to this moment.
Of course, it didn't hurt that he also had a knack for securing the right funding to bring his vision to life.
Next, Martin turned to Blake, embracing her tightly. "Thank you," he whispered.
Blake smiled, giving him a friendly pat on the back. "You brought this to life," she said simply.
After releasing Blake, Martin moved on, hugging Robert Eggers, Joel Negron, and the other key members of the crew. He thanked each of them sincerely, knowing full well that movies like this weren't made by one person, they were the result of a team's combined effort. For a new director like him, these seasoned professionals were essential. Without them, *The Shallows* would never have made it to the screen.
With a final wave to the crowd, Martin led his team onto the stage. They bowed deeply in gratitude, soaking in the long-lasting applause. It was a triumphant moment, one that signaled the culmination of months of hard work and dedication.
But as Martin well knew, the applause at the premiere, while encouraging, wasn't the final word on the film's success. The true test would come later, as audiences outside the theater began to spread the word. How *The Shallows* fared in the long run would depend entirely on the buzz and reviews that followed. In Hollywood, applause only meant so much, it was the opinions shared in living rooms, online forums, and among friends that would ultimately determine the film's legacy.
After the premiere, the Disney Studios team wasted no time. They swiftly collected the questionnaires handed out to fans upon arrival, eager to compile post-screening feedback. It wasn't just a formality, this data would give a clear picture of how the film resonated with the audience.
By the time Martin stepped out of the Chief Rock Theater, he already had the feedback in his hands. He scrolled through the report on his phone when Louise, who had been waiting nearby, asked, "So, what's the verdict from the fans?"
Martin looked up, slipping his phone into his pocket. "The overall rating is an A-minus," he replied, his tone steady but thoughtful.
Louise raised an eyebrow, her expression neutral. "Not bad at all," she said, though she didn't sugarcoat her reaction. "That's better than what most people expected."
Martin shot her a playful look. "You didn't expect much from me, did you?"
With a knowing smile, Louise twirled her finger in the air like a ringing bell. "Hey, you've always been solid on the performance side. But as a director…" She trailed off with a teasing grin.
Martin laughed it off. "Guess I'll have to change your mind one movie at a time."
Just then, Bruce pulled up in the car. Martin glanced at Louise and smirked. "As much as I'd love to hear more of your critiques, I'm heading home. You won't convince me to tag along tonight."
Louise shook her head, chuckling as she climbed into her sleek Rolls-Royce. Once inside, she immediately opened her phone, her curiosity piqued by what the internet had to say. Social media was already buzzing with early reactions, and the general consensus was surprisingly positive.
One review caught her eye:
"Martin's directorial debut is unexpectedly brilliant. He didn't just rely on gore to jolt the audience, he carefully built suspense, using visual pressure to create a tense and thrilling atmosphere."
Another praised the film's unique mix of sensuality and danger:
"The Shallows is the sexiest and most gripping escape film we've seen in years. Martin's control over pacing and tension is incredible for a first-time director."
There was, of course, praise for Blake Lively's performance, with some lighthearted humor thrown in:
"Blake Lively is phenomenal. Is it just me, or does she have a weird chemistry with sharks? It's like, 'You attack, I survive.'"
But not all the feedback was glowing. There were those who weren't as impressed:
"Martin Davis should stick to acting. His direction lacks depth, and the film is too simplistic to be taken seriously."
Another critic had a more cynical take:
"Blake's amazing figure aside, the whole 'beautiful woman vs. great white shark' thing feels tired. We've seen this before."
And then, of course, there was the jab that the movie looked like one long advertisement:
"Did Martin and Blake sign a deal with a swimwear brand? The entire film plays like a glossy commercial."
Louise couldn't help but smirk at the mixed reviews. Flipping through more comments, she noticed that as more people saw the film, the IMDb rating had settled at 7.8, not bad, but a slight drop from earlier. Still, *The Shallows* was holding up well overall, especially with audiences.
Interestingly, the film was faring even better with critics. The day after the premiere, the Rotten Tomatoes score remained a solid 80%, with critics praising everything from the cinematography to the performances. Louise scrolled through, reading quotes like, "Breathtaking visuals and top-tier acting," and "A film that creates an intense, sensory impact."
One of the more respected voices, Kenneth Turan from the *Los Angeles Times*, summed up his thoughts with a balanced view:
"Martin Davis' directorial debut isn't a horror classic, but it's a perfectly enjoyable popcorn flick. It knows what it's trying to be and delivers on that promise."
Even Todd McCarthy, who had previously been critical of Martin's potential as a director, had a shift in opinion in his *Hollywood Reporter* column. His review wasn't glowing, but it was far more generous than expected:
"Yes, the film is formulaic, and no, it's not a groundbreaking work. But Martin understands how to build tension. His use of layered shots to create a suspenseful atmosphere is well executed. The movie is visually stunning, and there are more than a few moments of genuine terror."
McCarthy wrapped up his review with something that struck a chord with Louise. He wrote:
"It must be said that Martin Davis has breathed new life into the shark-attack genre. Not only does *The Shallows* revive the classic thrills we associate with these films, but it also hints at new directions this genre could take."
Louise closed her phone, thinking over the night's events. The premiere had gone well, the reviews were mostly positive, and even the more critical voices couldn't deny the movie had done its job, it had thrilled and entertained. She had to admit, Martin's directorial debut might not have changed the game entirely, but it had proven one thing: Martin Davis was a name to watch, both in front of and behind the camera.