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Sharkwater
Metascore
59 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    83
    This beautiful and urgent eco-doc takes a bite out of the shark mythology made indelible by "Jaws."
  2. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Gianni Truzzi
    83
    It may seem strange to contemplate the possibility that sharks are more victim than vicious. Yet after Stewart makes his case you may find them and their cause, as he does, all-consuming.
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Esposito
    75
    Probably ranks as one of the most frightening shark movies ever---but sharks are the victims.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Michael Rechtshaffen
    70
    Stewart's documentary is seldom less than compelling in its quest to raise international awareness about a situation that is threatening to put sharks on the endangered list.
  5. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Mark Feeney
    63
    Undersea photographer Rob Stewart, who directed, wrote, narrated, stars in, and helped shoot Sharkwater, really, really loves sharks. He also fears for their future on the planet. His lively documentary makes you see why, on both counts.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    60
    Ecological passion meets unquenchable self-aggrandizement in the beautifully filmed deep-blue-alert documentary Sharkwater.
  7. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    60
    Mr. Stewart dilutes the movie's urgency by framing the subject within a "personal journey" format and selling himself as a hunky, sensitive martyr.
  8. Variety
    Reviewed by: David Rooney
    60
    As an eco-political inquiry, the film is compelling even if its grounding in scientific fact could be more solid.
  9. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    50
    Delivers an important message, and its underwater photography is breathtaking. But Stewart lessens the impact by focusing much too much on himself. Did he really have to go into detail about his own health problems? This should be a movie about sharks, not Stewart.
  10. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    50
    Truth is, once again, stranger and far more interesting than fiction, but Stewart, whose youthful idealism makes for passionate but uneven filmmaking, should scuttle further oceanic pedantry and focus his lens on Watson's "good pirate" efforts to sabotage the "bad pirates" and save the sea.
  11. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Aaron Hillis
    50
    No matter how much "Jaws"-hugging zeal he brings to the deck, Stewart has made a vain polemic that never addresses the finning industry's deep-seated cultural significance in Asia (where, rightly or wrongly, shark soup is a symbol of economic prestige), nor elaborates on how the disrupted ecosystem affects us humans.
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User Reviews

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User Score
7.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. KateM
    10
    Watched this movie several times now, and it still makes me cry every time. And of course Stewart's gonna focus on himself, it's a movie! He's the hero, we have to like him so we'll like his ideas. As far as documentaries go, this is a masterpiece. It's perfectly persuasive and controlled. There's no ranting or whinging and the feeling of desperation is clearly communicated… Full Review »
  2. MK
    10
    While the last scene is gratuitous and narcissistic, this film truly made me cry. The graphic portrayal of the shark fin industry and the necessity to protect these amazing creatures make this film a must-see for anyone who cares even remotely about preserving marine ecosystems.… Full Review »
  3. JR
    4
    Where's the science? Stewart claims to be a marine biologist, then sinks into the most ham-fisted, heavy handed argument imaginable. Luckily I am convinced of that argument, but no thanks to this guy, who offers no insight, no answers, and in the end, succeeds only at reminding us how much we humans suck. How helpful is that? Sharks need a better friend I'm afraid.… Full Review »
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