In an unexpected twist for the giant-prehistoric-shark genre, “Meg 2: The Trench” boldly bears the label “A Ben Wheatley Film.” Wheatley, renowned for his work in indie cinema with films like “Down Terrace” and “Happy New Year, Colin Burstead,” ventures into the realm of studio-backed productions and sets out to create a splash in ‘Meg 2: The Trench’. While this decision may come as a surprise to some, it’s not entirely unfounded, considering his prior forays into genre filmmaking with the intense horror of “Kill List” and the deconstructed action of “Free Fire,” as well as occasional stints in more mainstream territory such as directing “Doctor Who” episodes and Netflix’s adaptation of “Rebecca.” Transitioning from the eerie woods of “In The Earth” to the depths of the sea, Wheatley aims to captivate a broader audience and deliver a captivating spectacle.
In that regard, he mostly succeeds. Comparing to its predecessor, “The Meg” from 2018, which had marketing that seemingly embraced its over-the-top concept of “Jason Statham vs. a prehistoric shark” more than the movie itself, “The Trench” takes a more overtly fun approach. Jason Statham, reprising his role as Jonas Taylor, relishes in his portrayal with an added charm. Statham’s character interacts playfully with the audience, engaging in amusing banter and delivering gravel-coated one liners. The plot also leans into pulpier territory, as Jonas and his crew, including the returning Cliff Curtis and Page Kennedy, find themselves stranded in “The Trench,” the birthplace of the Megs. As a result, a group of these creatures escape to terrorize beach-goers at “Fun Island.”
Despite its lighthearted tone, the movie does have moments that could benefit from a quicker pace. Some scenes work to establish Chinese megastar Wu Jing as a co-lead, and his character’s role as Meiying’s uncle (played by Sophia Cai) adds emotional depth to the film. Once the action dives down into “The Trench,” the film manages to maintain a level of atmospheric moodiness, with the ocean floor bathed in a haunting red light. However, there are moments when the visuals lean into murky visuals, making it a bit challenging to fully experience the action. Nevertheless, Wheatley’s shines during the finale, where the chaos finally erupts on screen, leaving audiences both thrilled and amused. One standout moment captures the terrifying perspective from inside a Meg’s mouth as it chomps its victims, showcasing Wheatley’s willingness to go all-in on the larger-than-life spectacle. With well-timed jump scares, Wheatley doesn’t disappoint when it comes to delivering the most crucial elements of a blockbuster film.
Ultimately, “Meg 2: The Trench” successfully achieves what it set out to do, providing audiences with the adrenaline-pumping action sequences in a blockbuster spectacle. In this long-awaited sequel, Ben Wheatley proves his ability to command the waters of studio-backed blockbusters, ensuring that audiences leave the theater with a satisfied smile and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the depths of shark-infested waters.
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