‘Killer Whale’ Is So Bad It’s Fin-tastic

Jaws was a monstrous hit worldwide when released in 1975, which effectively ensured holidaymakers would opt to holiday in the safety of placid country locations, rather than be easy prey for merciless sea creatures in dark coastal waters. Since then, filmmakers have attempted to replicate this film’s success, usually with 3^rd rate flicks which failed to capture the imagination or hard-earned money of moviegoers.

Streaming platforms have been inundated with deplorable films in this genre, low budget films which are poorly acted with low production values and few if any redeeming qualities. Killer Whale is the latest ‘gem’ which can be added to this library of low-grade films which would never screen in cinemas.

This celluloid misfire delves on two young women who go holidaying at a resort in Thailand. Their perfect escape is compromised when they go jet skiing with a newfound male companion. And so, the bloodbath commences! Both semi-clad women find refuge on a large rock and their only way to safety is to swim to shore – but can they escape the jaws of a huge killer whale?

Enough said – that’s the synopsis of this same old, same old style of films which are worth a dime a dozen. But the filmmakers in their wisdom decided to add a touch of originality by ingeniously transforming the shark into a killer whale – not that this made much of a difference!

It’s hard to root for these damsels in distress. Audiences may find themselves cheering for the killer whale which seems to be the standout performer amongst the small cast.

What truly degrades this film is the poor execution of the green screen technique. The two actresses are placed in front of a green background which is ultimately replaced with digital images and video in post-production. The final draft is completely unrealistic and at times it’s evident that these two women are sitting on a prop in a studio.

The ‘special’ visual effects surrounding the killer whale aren’t special at all, as they’re mostly laughably fake and obviously digitally created.

There are a couple of thrilling sequences and select moments when these actresses highlight they can act – unfortunately these are fleeting moments.

Ultimately, this is the style of low budget flicks which most audiences may watch for the first five minutes and then quickly switch off.

The final 15 minutes will blow audiences away, but for all the wrong reasons – watch and watch closely.

At least one thing can be said about Killer Whale and similar films in this genre: they’re bad…consistently bad.

*1/2

Now available to rent on streaming platforms.