Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent shark tale with gore, drinking, and swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Devil's Mouth
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE DEVIL'S MOUTH, a group of college friends on a trip to Thailand find themselves stuck inside a maze of caves with a hungry shark on the hunt. Max (Lana Condor) and Sara (Kathryn Newton) are best friends, but Max tends to make everything about her and likes to control situations. This puts all of them danger when she pushes them into making some bad decisions. Max's boyfriend, James (Nico Hiraga), is loyal but also tired of her issues. Jock Greg (Gavin Casalegno) and girlfriend Adrienne (Tommi Rose) are just along for the ride.
Is It Any Good?
This film combines the suspense and gore of shark attacks, the light drama of college-aged relationships, and the draw of a beautiful foreign locale. Though the marketing focuses on the first, it's actually the latter two elements of The Devil's Mouth that are more interesting. Audiences looking for action will enjoy the unlikely shark hunt in a labyrinth of caves.
The film's set-up is quick and efficient (smart to start with the group already in Thailand, then flesh out their college ties and sticky relationships through dialogue). As the suspense unfolds, the characters who survive until at least close to the end show some personal growth; others, like the stereotyped dumb jock, don't.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Hollywood's history of shark films, like The Devil's Mouth. What other films have you watched involving sharks? Which have been the most realistic?
Discuss the violence in the movie. Do you think it was the right level or was there too much? What are some of the moments that stood out as particularly scary or gory for you? Would the movie be as impactful without the violence?
Are drinking, smoking, or drug use glamorized here? Are there realistic consequences for their use? Why does that matter?
How would you describe the different characters' personalities? What do they learn about themselves over the course of the film?
Did you notice any stereotypes? How did they make you feel? Why are accurate depictions in the media important?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 29, 2026
- Cast : Kathryn Newton , Lana Condor , Nico Hiraga
- Director : Jeff Wadlow
- Studio : Amazon Prime Video
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Sharks ) , Friendship , School ( College & Graduate School ) , Travel
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violent content, bloody images, some language and suggestive material
- Last updated : August 3, 2026
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