Bait (2012) – Sharks, Tsunamis, and a Supermarket Showdown
Bait, directed by Kimble Rendall, is a uniquely outrageous entry in the shark horror subgenre that combines natural disaster mayhem with creature-feature thrills. Released in 2012, this Australian-Singaporean production tells the story of a group of survivors trapped in a flooded supermarket—where a pair of great white sharks are lurking in the aisles, hungry and ready to strike.
The film opens on a coastal town in Queensland, Australia, where Josh (played by Xavier Samuel), a lifeguard wracked with guilt over a past tragedy, is now working a low-key job in a supermarket. He’s unexpectedly reunited with his ex-girlfriend Tina (Sharni Vinson), just as a massive tsunami slams into the coast, trapping everyone in the store beneath meters of seawater. As the survivors begin to process what’s happened, they quickly discover something far worse than floodwater: a shark has been swept in with the wave—and it’s not alone.
From there, the film becomes a tense, enclosed survival thriller. A diverse cast of characters—including a criminal and his hostage, a pair of rebellious teenagers, store employees, and everyday shoppers—must work together (or not) to survive the rising water and bloodthirsty predators. The setting of a supermarket submerged in water creates a novel, claustrophobic battleground where every aisle, shelf, and submerged corner hides potential danger.
One of the film’s strongest points is its sheer audacity. The premise is undeniably over-the-top, but Bait embraces it with energy and style. The blend of practical sets and CGI sharks varies in quality, but the direction keeps the action tight and the tension steady. It leans into its B-movie roots without veering too far into parody. It knows it’s pulpy fun and doesn’t try to pretend otherwise.
Performances are serviceable for the genre. Xavier Samuel brings a relatable sense of guilt and redemption to his role, while Sharni Vinson provides emotional depth as Tina. Julian McMahon and Dan Wyllie add a bit of grit and moral ambiguity. But the real stars of the film are the sharks and the creative death sequences that unfold as the survivors scramble for safety.
Despite its low-budget constraints, Bait punches above its weight in visual creativity. The idea of sharks swimming through a grocery store is absurd, but the film makes it tense and visually interesting, turning ordinary spaces like parking garages, canned goods aisles, and freezer sections into deadly traps.
Critically, the film received mixed reviews. Some praised its originality and suspenseful pacing, while others criticized its dialogue and thin character development. But among fans of shark horror and disaster films, Bait has earned a cult following for its unique setup and entertaining execution.
In the end, Bait (2012) is a fun, fast-paced, and sometimes ridiculous ride that delivers exactly what its premise promises—sharks in a supermarket, survivors on the edge, and a disaster film that never takes itself too seriously. It’s a solid pick for fans of aquatic horror, creature features, or anyone looking for something a little different from the usual shark fare.
