Few animals in human history have gotten a worse rap sheet than sharks. People immediately think of Jaws, terrifying beach attacks, and bloodthirsty monsters lurking beneath the water surface waiting to strike. However, Justin Sago, a filmmaker and shark enthusiast, reveals a very different reality. The quest to redeem the shark’s public image is underway, with dive teams and consulting professionals joining in.
On the surface, Unmasking Monsters Below has a very humble exterior. The interviews aren’t elaborately staged, nor is the editing particularly riveting, and the film overall feels 30-minutes too long. Yet somehow, it coalesces in such a way that you want to follow along with Justin’s story. There’s something intriguing about Sago’s passion for both filmmaking and marine life that just carries the viewer along effortlessly, whether it be on the coastline or out at sea.
It also helps that the selection of subjects is strong. They range from Michael Dornellas, a professional underwater videographer, to Joe Alves, the production designer of the horror classic Jaws, who would later direct Jaws 3-D. Cade Stuermer, a 14-year-old shark conservationist from Cade Saves Sharks, also makes a welcome appearance, injecting some welcome energy and urgency into Sago’s mission. Unmasking Monsters Below is just as much about the sharks as it is about the people who want to understand them; the documentary does a very astute job of making everyone feel vital to the narrative.
Slowly but surely, Sago’s exploration begins taking shape by trying to not only understand shark behavior but also how misrepresentation has caused their species a tremendous deal of harm. Through stunning dives with Shark Addicts instructor Chris Cameron, Justin and his Director of Photography Ryan Matthews, find themselves face-to-face with the famed predator of the oceans.
As the world actively strives to overcome its fear of sharks, Unmasking Monsters Below serves as an ideal starting point for those seeking to educate themselves on the subject.
