User reviews reveal a mix of excitement and disappointment for 'The Shallows'. Many praise the film for its intense suspense and Blake Lively's compelling performance, highlighting its gripping survival theme and effective use of tension. However, some viewers find the horror elements lacking and criticize the film for its repetitiveness and underwhelming scares. Overall, it's seen as a decent shark thriller with solid special effects and a strong lead.

👍 Intense suspense and strong lead performance

👎 Some find horror elements lacking