In Meg 2: The Trench, Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) leads a research team on a deep-sea dive to the ocean’s most extreme depths. Their expedition descends into chaos when reckless mining operations compromise their mission, forcing them into a desperate fight for survival. Confronted by colossal megalodons and unscrupulous environmental exploiters, the researchers must strategically outmaneuver and evade their relentless adversaries in a race against time.
In my review of the first film, The Meg, released in 2018, I noted its tonal ambiguity. The film struggled to decide whether it wanted to be a realistic drama or a pure popcorn spectacle. Meg 2: The Trench, however, suffers from the opposite problem: its complete lack of realism significantly diminishes any sense of tension.
Following the submersible Titan‘s implosion in June 2023, a larger segment of the population now possesses a more informed understanding of the dangers inherent in pressurized underwater vehicles, and the potentially catastrophic consequences of even minor damage. While the filmmakers could not have foreseen the real-world tragedy, a greater emphasis on plausible realism could have significantly amplified the film’s suspense. I will refrain from revealing specific plot points regarding an underwater structure to avoid spoilers, but its execution is profoundly illogical.
The subsequent appearance of terrestrial creatures capable of respiration in both aquatic and atmospheric environments, despite originating from the deepest ocean trenches, strained my suspension of disbelief to its breaking point.
Jason Statham remains a compelling presence, and certain sequences exhibit commendable tension and skillful execution. However, the pervasive implausibility of the film makes it challenging to fully appreciate its merits.
The UHD edition delivers exceptional visual fidelity with 2160p resolution and Dolby Vision. The underwater scenes, particularly those featuring explosions and dynamic lighting in dark environments, are visually stunning. The Dolby Atmos sound design provides an immersive surround sound experience, enhancing the impact of the action sequences. The audio accurately places sounds, effectively conveying the movement of creatures above and around the viewer. The inclusion of supplemental material on the disc is a welcome addition.
In conclusion, Meg 2: The Trench, while burdened by an exceptionally far-fetched plot, provides an entertaining viewing experience, owing to Jason Statham’s performance and the quality of the UHD presentation.
SF Studios provided review copies for this assessment. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted impartially with a focus on the interests of our readers and consumers.
