The Shallows

NZ release: 18 August 2016

Offensive language & content that may disturb Rated on: 07 July 2016

the shallows

What’s it about?

Only 200 metres from shore, surfer Nancy is attacked by a Great White shark, with her short journey to safety becoming a test of her will and a battle for survival.

The facts

  • Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
  • Starring Blake Lively (Gossip Girl), Óscar Jaenada (Cantinflas), Brett Cullen (The Dark Knight Rises)
  • English and Spanish languages
  • Runtime: 86 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

The film contains regular intense scenes with many jump scares that may unsettle or frighten some viewers, especially those with fears of sharks or deep water. Some blood is seen.

Some of the strongest moments include:

  • A man is severed in half. We see him crawling away from the water, with his legs detached on the sand behind him, before he dies of his wounds. Some blood and tissue are seen but not clearly as the scene is dark, though this may still disturb some viewers
  • One character is attacked by a shark. She survives, but we see a lot of blood in the water.
  • In a drawn-out scene, a character tries to stitch up her deep wound. Blood pours out and after about two minutes, she cannot endure anymore pain and stops.

Offensive language

The film involves infrequent use of offensive language. The words “f*ck” and “sh*t” are used one to two times.

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.

Further information

Images powered by Flicks.co.nz

Recent featured decisions

11 March 2026

Offensive language, discrimination and sexual references

Louis Theroux dives into the world of extreme online influencers and content creators who are reshaping ideas about modern masculinity. Along the way, he explores why these attitudes resonate and how these figures are shaping the values of young men.

Read more

10 January 2026

Content that may disturb, drug references, offensive language, violence, nudity, sexual violence themes, dangerous behaviour

The second season of a drama series that follows the daily lives of healthcare professionals in a Pittsburgh hospital. They juggle personal crises, workplace politics, and the emotional toll of treating critically ill patients, revealing the resilience required in their noble calling.

Read more