Film Review

Meg 2: The Trench (2023) — giant shark sequel saves best bites for last

A research team encounters multiple threats while exploring the depths of the ocean, including a malevolent mining operation.

Ben Wheatley’s an English filmmaker celebrated for folk horrors like Kill List (2011), Sightseers (2012), and In the Earth (2021). He’s made a few overtures to “the mainstream” with the star-studded Free Fire (2016) and a remake of Rebecca (2020) for Netflix, but I don’t think anybody predicted his next move would be directing the sequel to a giant shark movie. It’s certainly an interesting proposition, akin to Nicolas Roeg deciding to make Jaws 3-D (1983).

Again based on a Steve Alten novel about prehistoric megalodons surviving into modern times, Meg 2: The Trench picks up five years after events you’ll likely have forgotten happened in The Meg (2018). Fortunately, this sequel requires little knowledge of Jon Turteltaub’s original, as we’re reacquainted with eco-warrior Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) trying to stop the illegal dumping of hazardous waste into the ocean. He’s helped…