Graveyard Shark (2024) is a horror-comedy film directed by Matthew A. Peters that combines campy humor with creature-feature thrills. The story is set in the small town of Willsboro Point, which is plagued by mysterious disappearances attributed to a local urban legend—the Graveyard Shark, a humanoid creature lurking in the town’s graveyard.
The protagonist, Abby Wescott (Stephanie Ward), is an aspiring cryptid hunter driven by a personal mission to validate her late father’s beliefs in the paranormal. She is enlisted by Dr. Jan Lovnik (Olga N. Bogdanova), who leads a support group for individuals claiming to have survived encounters with the Graveyard Shark. Abby, accompanied by her assistant Greg (Michael John Gilbert), delves into the investigation, seeking to uncover the truth behind the legend.
As the narrative unfolds, Abby and Greg collaborate with Captain Isaac Seyburn (Berndele March), an eccentric sailor with intimate knowledge of the creature’s origins. Seyburn reveals a bizarre backstory involving an encounter with a mermaid, leading to the birth of the Graveyard Shark—a humanoid with a hammerhead shark visage. This revelation sets the stage for a series of absurd and humorous events, including a surreal dream sequence where Abby envisions a romantic encounter with Bigfoot.
The film embraces its low-budget roots, featuring practical effects and a creature brought to life through a rubber suit. The Graveyard Shark is depicted as a muscular humanoid with a shark-like head, engaging in gory attacks that include disembowelments and heart extractions. The filmmakers’ commitment to practical effects adds a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of classic monster movies.
“Graveyard Shark” oscillates between horror and comedy, delivering over-the-top gore alongside tongue-in-cheek humor. The characters, though exaggerated, contribute to the film’s campy appeal. Abby’s determination, Greg’s earnestness, and Seyburn’s outrageous anecdotes enrich the narrative, providing both laughs and moments of genuine engagement.
Despite its amateurish production values, the film’s self-awareness and willingness to embrace absurdity make it an entertaining watch for fans of B-movie horror. The climactic showdown, featuring a battle between the Graveyard Shark and a werewolf, epitomizes the film’s commitment to delivering outrageous and unexpected scenarios.
Graveyard Shark is a deliberately campy horror-comedy that revels in its own absurdity. With a blend of practical creature effects, over-the-top gore, and a plot that doesn’t shy away from the ridiculous, it offers a nostalgic trip for fans of low-budget monster movies. While it may not appeal to all audiences, those with an appreciation for B-movie charm and outrageous storytelling are likely to find it an amusing and memorable experience.