Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sequel has blood, gore, and messages about climate change.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Deep Blue Sea 3
What's the Story?
Three bull sharks glide side by side through the Indian Ocean in DEEP BLUE SEA 3, heading toward an almost abandoned island village off the east coast of Africa. Living on Little Happy Island is Emma Collins (Tania Raymonde), a scientist who carries on the work of her deceased father. Concerned about the changing ecosystem, Emma, with a small team, researches the effects of climate change on the habitat's bountiful species, and great white sharks in particular. The humans and the powerful fish coexist, and the work is fulfilling and important. The first sign that something is amiss in their world is the discovery of two great white sharks who have been attacked and killed by an unknown predator. Soon after, a ship arrives carrying Richard Lowell (Nathan Buzolic), a former colleague of Emma's, and his crew. Richard needs Emma's help. He's tracking three bull sharks who are known to be extremely dangerous. They must be captured and taken back to the research facility from which they escaped. Reluctant at first, Emma agrees to help her old friend, until harrowing and mysterious events begin to happen: a dismembered arm, the disappearance of a local fisherman ... it quickly becomes clear to Emma that there's more to Richard's mission than he's been willing to share.
Is It Any Good?
Striking images, along with quality underwater footage and above-average performances, elevate this third franchise entry; it's watchable in spite of the often ludicrous story and over-the-top gore. Rooting interest is strong for the lead scientist in Deep Blue Sea 3. Tania Raymonde appears as comfortable with the action -- and there's lots of it for her -- as she is in her more intimate scenes with friends and co-workers. It's interesting to note that very few of the mostly sympathetic fish lose their lives in this film. Unfortunately, that's not the way it works for the humans who have encroached on their saltwater neighborhoods.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Deep Blue Sea 3. What emotions did it evoke for you? Was it terrifying? Exciting? Silly at times? Memorable? Why is it important to understand the impact of violence on kids?
In this movie, the filmmakers make both the bull and the great white sharks sympathetic creatures, even though they're destructive. Humans are the villains. Did this story alter your preexisting attitudes about the animal? How did it help you understand the natural place of sharks in the earth's ecosystem?
Emma is extraordinarily heroic in the movie. Think of three positive character strengths that describe her (e.g., courage). Pick one of those traits and talk about why it was important to the story.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 25, 2020
- Cast : Tania Raymonde , Nathaniel Buzolic , Emerson Brooks
- Director : John Pogue
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Activism , Adventures , Friendship , Animals ( Ocean Creatures ) , STEM
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violence, bloody images, and language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate