SHARKWATER

SHARKWATER makes a strong case against shark hunting and the international finning industry. Rob Stewart’s love for sharks and his challenge to man-eating myths give the documentary an engaging human focus. Its marine photography is beautiful, and its footage of the fishing industry is gripping.

The cost is heavy. Sharks and other marine animals are shown being killed, sliced, hooked, and abused. The film also moves beyond advocacy into a humanist, evolutionary, politically correct environmentalist argument. When the moviemakers use piracy and government evasion to prove their point, the documentary feels more like propaganda than a convincing investigation.

If you are an adult who enjoys marine documentaries and can handle the imagery and worldview concerns, it is worth seeing; for children and young teens, choose something else.

Marine photographer Rob Stewart examines the shark hunting industry and its impact on the ocean and the wider world. He challenges the myths surrounding sharks, including the belief that they are human predators, while documenting the international finning industry.

Stewart joins a Greenpeace group described as pirates in an effort to confront shark fishers and the forces behind the destruction of shark populations.

Three stars means SHARKWATER is beautifully made and engrossing, but weakened by its arguments and methods. The marine photography is excellent, and the footage presents a gripping, no-holds-barred look at the darker side of international fishing.

The documentary is also moving and convincing in places. But its humanist, evolutionary, politically correct environmental worldview weakens the presentation. When the filmmakers turn to piracy and government evasion, the film falls apart and feels more like propaganda than a convincing documentary.

SHARKWATER exalts the protection of sharks and marine life. It challenges the idea that sharks are human predators and presents humans as the worst predators of sharks. The film also highlights the destructive practices of shark hunting and finning, along with the broader damage done to the environment.

Its worldview is strongly humanist, evolutionary, and politically correct in its environmentalism. One major character describes humans as “conceited, naked apes” and blames “a bunch of out-of-control primates” for a supposed World War III against the environment. The film’s environmental concerns can be moving, but its evolutionary assumptions remove humanity’s unique accountability before God. Its use of piracy, civil disobedience, and government evasion further distorts the moral argument by presenting lawbreaking as a way to prove the point.

Scripture teaches that creation belongs to God: “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). That truth supports responsible care for the world while rejecting the film’s humanist and evolutionary foundation.

SHARKWATER offers beautiful photography, a gripping look at marine destruction, and serious environmental concerns. Its graphic imagery, evolutionary worldview, and willingness to present lawbreaking as activism make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, it is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For a family alternative, see.