Backdrop preview Mako backdrop
Mako

Mako (2021)

Eight documentary makers decide to go to the location of Elsalam Ship which sunk years ago to make a new documntary where they face unforseen dangers.

Directed by Hisham Al Rashidi

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Hisham Al Rashidi
Writer
  • Ahmed Halim
  • Ahmed Sharaf Elsayed
  • Mohammed El Hifnawy
Producer
  • Mohammed al Sharif
  • Mohammed Alsaadi

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Thematic Analysis

This Drama/Thriller/Adventure/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Mako presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Hisham Al Rashidi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Mako took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $25.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 111 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 1315 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2021, when this film is released:
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Mako shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Spy Who Loved Me, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Mako offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Thunderball and Shark explore similar territory, Mako stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 1, 2021
  • Runtime: 1h 31m
  • Budget: $25,000,000
  • Revenue: $458,000

Where to Watch

Netflix
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