Where was The Shallows filmed?
2017
City Locations
Queensland, New South Wales (Australia)
Location Types
Film Studio
Location Styles
Beachfront, Colonial, Exotic/Tropical, Foreign, Rustic
About The Shallows
Imagine this: a heart-pounding clash unfolds between a woman and a shark, building up to an electrifying climax that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats! The Shallows, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, is a captivating 2016 American survival horror film that will keep you captivated from start to finish. This adrenaline-pumping narrative stars Blake Lively as the protagonist, who delivers a compelling performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As we delve into the captivating journey of Nancy (Blake Lively), a young and adventurous surfer, the storyline unfolds with great intensity. Her quest takes her to a secluded beach, a hidden gem her mother discovered many years ago.
While reveling in the crashing waves, she suddenly finds herself trapped in an unforeseen dilemma - pursued relentlessly by a formidable great white shark and marooned on a distant barrier, far from the safety of the shoreline. Isolated and injured, Nancy fights for survival, determined to overcome the harrowing encounter and make her way back to solid ground.
Despite its $17–25 million production budget range, the film was a box office success, grossing over $119 million. It received generally positive reviews, with critics particularly praising Lively's dynamic and athletic performance.
On Metacritic, The Shallows scores 59 out of 100 based on 35 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Matt Zoller Seitz of RogerEbert.com gave the film three stars and lauded Lively's performance. The thrilling narrative and intense performances earned it accolades at the awards circuit. The Shallows earned nominations for Best Thriller Film at the Saturn Awards.
The Shallows Locations
The Shallows (2016), a thrilling survival horror film, was predominantly shot in the picturesque landscapes of New South Wales, Australia. The production spanned from October 28, 2015, to January 15, 2016, and utilized various distinctive locations, including Village Roadshow Studios, Queensland, Mount Tamborine, and the stunning Lord Howe Island.
Initially, the filmmakers intended to shoot this gripping tale on the Gulf Coast of Texas, near Galveston; however, due to safety concerns, they were denied the film permit and relocated to Australia. The confines of a studio hosted the crew for the scenes featuring the shark.
Australia's diverse landscapes provided a captivating backdrop for the movie. Lord Howe Island, with its crystal-clear waters and lush greenery, lent an air of isolated beauty to the film, and the tropical forest of Mount Tamborine added a layer of mystery and intrigue. The Village Roadshow Studios in Oxenford, Queensland, where most indoor scenes came to life, is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and has been home to several other blockbuster productions.
A trip to these locations would be worthwhile for fans of the film or those with an interest in cinematography. Exploring these areas allows one to witness the stunning landscapes that provided the backdrop for this intense survival story. Additionally, visitors can experience the unique culture and natural beauty that Australia has to offer.
Fun Facts:
During an interview, Blake Lively admitted to having a genuine fear of sharks. Surprisingly, she also revealed that she had never actually watched the iconic movie Jaws (1975).
Carlos drives Nancy through the tropical forest scene in The Shallows
Mount Tamborine, Queensland, Australia
Nancy Adams (Blake Lively), a medical student dealing with the recent loss of her mother to cancer, embarks on a solitary journey to a beach that was once her mother's favorite spot. She is driven there by a local man named Carlos (Óscar Jaenada), while her friend Anna, who was supposed to accompany her, falls sick.
This scene beautifully sets the emotional backdrop for Nancy's subsequent harrowing adventure, filmed in Mount Tamborine, Queensland. Known for its lush tropical rainforests, vibrant exotic birds, and diverse flora and fauna, Mount Tamborine provides a serene contrast to the everyday hustle and bustle of city life.
Experience the sheer beauty of Tamborine Mountain with the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. This mesmerizing adventure takes you through the lush treetops, guiding you along a pathway that gently descends to the lower canopy. As you journey, you'll pass by enchanting rock pools until you reach the breathtaking cantilever, perched 30 meters above the valley floor. From this vantage point, immerse yourself in sweeping views that stretch for miles.
To visit this iconic filming location, you need to travel to Queensland, Australia. Specifically, Mount Tamborine is located in the Gold Coast hinterland, approximately an hour's drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It's a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, tranquil environment, and unique wildlife.
Nancy video calls her sister scene in The Shallows
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, Australia
Nancy (Blake Lively) ventures into the ocean with her surfboard. She encounters two local surfers, and they ride the beautiful waves. Afterward, she video chats with her sister Chloe (Sedona Legge), sharing the beauty of the beach and reminiscing about their mother, who considered this place paradise.
This scene also includes an emotional conversation with her father (Brett Cullen), who expresses concern over her actions and grief. The scenic backdrop of the beach and the ocean adds to the emotional intensity of these conversations, symbolizing both the serenity and isolation Nancy is experiencing.
The picturesque Lord Howe Island in New South Wales, Australia, provided the backdrop for several beach sequences. This stunning locale, an oceanic island formed from volcanic activity, is home to a distinct array of flora and the most southernly authentic coral reef.
Take in the breathtaking World Heritage-listed natural landscapes of Lord Howe, explore some of the top day hiking trails, snorkel amidst the southernmost coral reef, interact with aquatic life at Ned’s Beach, and stroll along its pristine sandy beaches.
One must embark on a two-hour flight from Sydney to reach Lord Howe Island. Departing daily, these flights offer convenient connections from all major Australian cities. Accommodation options on the island range from lodges and guesthouses to self-contained apartments, catering to various preferences and budgets.
Nancy's survival plan scene in The Shallows
Stage 5 & Main Tank, Village Roadshow Studios, Entertainment Rd, Oxenford QLD 4210, Australia
One of the most gripping and iconic scenes occurs when the protagonist, Nancy (Blake Lively), is stranded on a buoy with a great white shark circling menacingly below. In a desperate attempt to escape, Nancy fires a flare directly at the shark, angering it and causing it to slam into the buoy, breaking the chains and holding it upright.
As the buoy starts to sink, Nancy notices a chain linking the buoy to a spiked base on the ocean floor. At the right moment, she hooks the chain onto the shark, pulling her towards the base. In a thrilling climax, she escapes at the last moment, causing the shark to impale itself on the spikes.
Most of the film, including the gripping sequence, was filmed in a vast pool at Village Roadshow Studios in Oxenford, Queensland, Australia. Village Roadshow owns these renowned studios in Queensland's stunning Gold Coast. They have an impressive collection of nine sound stages and other state-of-the-art production facilities.
Those interested in visiting this iconic filming location can head to Oxenford, in the Gold Coast region of Queensland, Australia. The studios are open to tourists, who can explore the production facilities and even take a virtual tour. It offers a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at where the most intense moments came to life. Fans can easily reach the studio via Brisbane Airport. It's just a 50-minute drive from the city, taking the M1 route.
Conclusion
The Shallows is a captivating survival horror film that pushes the limits of the genre. It masterfully creates primal and terrifying scenarios within the confines of a stretch of water along the shore, heightening the suspense and captivating the viewer's attention.
Blake Lively delivered a commendable performance akin to a kinetic sculptural object, demonstrating her physical prowess and emotional depth. Her character's struggle with a great white shark is brutal and fascinating, a testament to Lively's acting capabilities. The film revolves around questions of endurance and problem-solving, with much of the narrative driven by images, sound effects, and Marco Beltrami's breathless score.
Despite being a lean, thrilling movie, The Shallows sometimes suffers from over-exposition. There are moments where it could have been more potent without the additional backstory or extended scenes.
The film's contribution to the movie industry lies in its refreshing take on the survival horror genre and its effective use of a minimalist plot to create an intense and suspenseful cinematic experience.
In conclusion, The Shallows is worth watching for those who appreciate survival horror films, strong performances, and a minimalist yet suspenseful plot. While it has its flaws, the film's strengths, particularly Blake Lively's performance, make it a worthwhile viewing experience.