There’s a particular type of fear when it comes to the ocean. There’s a whole world in the depths of the sea. For some, the sea doesn’t hold a sense of fear, only intrigue.
Valerie Taylor is a fearless female shark expert. She and her late husband Ron became the most in-demand underwater cinematographers of our time.
While others would cower from getting close to dangerous sea creatures, Valerie would gladly throw herself in the middle of shark-infested waters.
From a young age, Valerie was addicted to the sea. At the age of 12, Valerie struggled with polio and was told she might never walk again. She proved them all wrong. That tenacity and gumption would help her later as she started her career in spearfishing.
As she began making a name for herself, she caught Ron’s eye, and the two were married.
As they embarked on a career together documenting sea life, they swore off killing. Instead, the only shots taken would be from cameras.
As their remarkable footage of sharks and other dangerous sea creatures became known, they began to be desired by directors.
Their fearless attitudes landed them a job on the set of Jaws. Unfortunately, once the blockbuster hit theaters, fears of the ocean grew. This lead to thousands of sharks being murdered. Until this day, Valerie is still trying to undo the damage the movie caused to marine life. She has made it her mission to protect the sharks.
The gorgeous documentary highlights the couple’s passion for diving deep into the sea and their mission to protect the life that lives in it.
Playing With Sharks is visually stunning from start to finish. On top of Valerie’s charming personality and remarkable life; Her stunning shots of sea life will have you invested.
Director Sally Aitken perfectly merged the footage captured from the 50s and 60s to tell this jaw-dropping story. I can only imagine how difficult it was to pick and chose clips from 70 years worth of stunning film; And how hard it must have been to leave some of it on the cutting room floor.
Valerie’s story is inspiring. Through her camera and Aitken’s storytelling, you are left with a deeper understanding of the creatures you once feared. Her love for the sea is spread through every frame, making you want to swim alongside her. The ending is perfectly wrapped up as shots of a present-day Valerie is spliced with her younger self continuing to do the thing she loves.
Sundance 2021 Review: Playing With Sharks
Score
Review Nation Score
70 years worth of footage is perfectly merged to tell this remarkable and jaw-dropping story. You will be invested and on the edge of your seat from start to finish.