The upcoming horror film *The Devil’s Mouth* promises to deliver an intense viewing experience, placing a group of friends in a perilous situation amidst Thailand’s captivating scenery. The film, featuring stars such as Lana Condor, Kathryn Newton, Nico Hiraga, and Tommi Rose, centres around a terrifying encounter with a shark after the group finds themselves trapped in a cave system.
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An exclusive sneak peek shared with *PEOPLE* reveals the chilling moment where the group realises their idyllic holiday has morphed into a desperate battle for survival. Portrayed by Hiraga, the character James is the first to identify the lurking danger beneath the surface, pinpointing the aggressive bull shark circling their rocky refuge. “Bull shark. It has to be. That’s what I was saying,” he warns his friends, illustrating the dire nature of their predicament. His description of the breed highlights its reputation for aggression and ability to thrive in both fresh and saltwater, which adds another layer of fear to their situation.
The emotional toll of this revelation is captured through the characters’ reactions. Condor’s character, Max, displays a mixture of fear and disbelief, uttering, “I don’t understand how this happened, OK? This wasn’t supposed to happen.” Meanwhile, Sara, played by Newton, seeks comfort from a rocky pillar, embodying the palpable anxiety of the moment. Rose’s character, Adrienne, responds to the tension in a different way, bursting into laughter despite the dire circumstances—a classic defence mechanism in horror narratives.
The film’s gripping premise doesn’t only revolve around aquatic danger but also sheds light on the characters’ interplay—each reacting uniquely when faced with life-threatening conditions. The cast’s chemistry is put to the test against the backdrop of the formidable bull shark, making their friendships and dynamics all the more compelling.
Directed by Jeff Wadlow, *The Devil’s Mouth* was filmed predominantly in water, contributing to a physically demanding shooting schedule. Condor shared insights about the arduous nature of filming, which saw her and her co-stars immersed for up to 13 hours daily. “It was really intense. It was physically intense, emotionally intense. It was exhausting,” she explained while reminiscing about her experiences on set.
Even after the camera stopped rolling, the cast remained engaged in a near-constant state of alertness, requiring them to “tread water for real” during breaks. Condor recounts her relief at the end of each day when she could finally retreat to dry land, only to remember she would soon return to water for her showers. This constant cycle proved challenging, but it also created a robust bond among the cast as they navigated the demanding conditions together.
To manage the stress of filming, Condor turned to various forms of self-soothing. She mentioned incorporating meditation into her routine and treating herself to a nice bottle of red wine after a long day. Her co-star Gavin Casalegno echoed her sentiments, remarking on the long hours and the need for humour and camaraderie to keep spirits high amidst the intensity of the shoot.
Despite the challenges, the cast emphasised that their time spent filming was not devoid of enjoyment. The shared experience allowed for moments of levity and fun, ensuring that there was always something happening behind the scenes. Casalegno noted that even during exhausting days, there was “never a dull moment,” reflecting a sense of teamwork that is often pivotal in the film-making process.
*The Devil’s Mouth* is set to be released on Prime Video on July 29, drawing audiences into a nail-biting narrative filled with suspense and camaraderie. The film’s fusion of horror and friendship suggests a unique viewing experience, where the stakes rise not only from the threat of the shark but also from the emotional bonds shared by the characters. As fans of the genre anticipate its debut, the cast’s reflections offer an intriguing glimpse into the challenges of bringing such a harrowing tale to life.