Watch Kids' Reviews of
IN THE SHALLOWS

I have mixed feelings about In the Shallows! You should be aware that the film addresses one of the characters being sexually assaulted and ending up committing suicide. The other topic that the film revolves around is how the boy who discovered that his peers had raped his good friend doesn't report it right away and is tortured by that for some time afterwards. Two heavy topics so do not choose this film without taking that into consideration. Note that there are no graphic images depicting either of these, except for seeing the young woman lying on the ground after she apparently jumped off a building, but no bloody gory image.

This film, by a high school student, tells the story of a teenage athlete named Jack (Luke Tobin) who has lost his focus because he is haunted by his friend's suicide and his guilt about hiding the truth.

I recommend In the Shallows for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because it is very well made. However, it contains a suicide and mentioning of rape. I dislike that Jack's friend is hurt so much that she takes her own life, but I do like when Jack decides to tell the truth because Olivia's spirit convinces him he should do the right thing. The camerawork is quite good, making use of great close-ups and a variety of camera angles. The underwater cinematography of Jack swimming at the beginning of the film is very impressive. And closing shots with aerial drone footage of the ocean and Jack walking on the beach are excellent. The background music is well selected and used sparingly. I particularly like the music when Jack is thinking about Olivia - when he goes for a run, it's almost as if we can feel the discord inside of him. Jack's character develops throughout the story as we see him trying to deal with his emotional damage and gather up the courage to tell the truth. The best part is when Jack tells the police what his "friends" did.

The film's message is that if something illegal or wrong happens, tell the authorities immediately, instead of feeling guilty for not doing it. Be aware that it does contains some profanity. Be aware of the very strong mention of suicide and mentioning of rape.

I give In the Shallows 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Kira O., KIDS FIRST!

I have mixed feelings about In the Shallows! You should be aware that the film addresses one of the characters being sexually assaulted and ending up committing suicide. The other topic that the film revolves around is how the boy who discovered that his peers had raped his good friend doesn't report it right away and is tortured by that for some time afterwards. Two heavy topics so do not choose this film without taking that into consideration. Note that there are no graphic images depicting either of these, except for seeing the young woman lying on the ground after she apparently jumped off a building, but no bloody gory image.

This film, by a high school student, tells the story of a teenage athlete named Jack (Luke Tobin) who has lost his focus because he is haunted by his friend's suicide and his guilt about hiding the truth.

I recommend In the Shallows for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because it is very well made. However, it contains a suicide and mentioning of rape. I dislike that Jack's friend is hurt so much that she takes her own life, but I do like when Jack decides to tell the truth because Olivia's spirit convinces him he should do the right thing. The camerawork is quite good, making use of great close-ups and a variety of camera angles. The underwater cinematography of Jack swimming at the beginning of the film is very impressive. And closing shots with aerial drone footage of the ocean and Jack walking on the beach are excellent. The background music is well selected and used sparingly. I particularly like the music when Jack is thinking about Olivia - when he goes for a run, it's almost as if we can feel the discord inside of him. Jack's character develops throughout the story as we see him trying to deal with his emotional damage and gather up the courage to tell the truth. The best part is when Jack tells the police what his "friends" did.

The film's message is that if something illegal or wrong happens, tell the authorities immediately, instead of feeling guilty for not doing it. Be aware that it does contains some profanity. Be aware of the very strong mention of suicide and mentioning of rape.

I give In the Shallows 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. By Kira O., KIDS FIRST!

A teenage swimmer grapples with stress and guilt that starts to manifest itself into a mysterious figure from his past.