The Meg 2: The Trench

What’s it about?

Upon exploring the Mariana Trench, a team of scientists awaken a familiar yet larger beast, racing to stop it to prevent global chaos

The facts

• Directed by Ben Wheatley
• Starring Jason Statham (The Transporter), Wu Jing (Wolf Warrior), Sophia Cai (Somewhere Only We Know), Cliff Curtis (Fear the Walking Dead).
• English, Mandarin, and Spanish languages
• Runtime: 116 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film game was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Violence and scary scenes

The film contains regular intense scenes with many jump scares that may frighten or unsettle some viewers, especially those with fears of sharks or deep water. Blood is often seen but nothing too gory or graphic.

Some of the strongest moments include:

• Many humans are eaten by a gigantic shark in various ways, though most deaths are gore free and the people are swallowed or not seen again.
• Prehistoric animals eat each other, sometimes in very bloody ways
• In one scene, we see the Meg eating tens of people, from the perspective of inside its mouth. We see them flailing in the water with blood splashing around as they enter its mouth before being eaten. Though this scene is not very gory, it is still quite shocking

Coarse language

The film involves the use of coarse language, with words like “sh*t,” “b*tch,” “ass,” and “bastard.” The middle finger is also used twice.

When content stays with you: 

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.  

• 1737
• Safe to talk
• Lifeline
• Youthline

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?
• Brain development – how it works, why it matters