Ouija Shark (2020)

 A Campy Dive into Supernatural Horror

"Ouija Shark" (2020) is a low-budget Canadian horror-comedy that has become something of a cult curiosity in the world of B-movies. Directed by Brett Kelly (under the pseudonym Scott Patrick), the film is a self-aware and deliberately absurd take on the supernatural horror genre, combining the silliness of shark attack films with paranormal elements typically reserved for ghost stories. At around 70 minutes in length, the film wastes no time in diving straight into its outlandish premise: a group of young women accidentally summon the spirit of a demonic ghost shark using a cursed ouija board, unleashing chaos and aquatic terror.

The story begins with a group of friends on a casual day at the beach. One of the girls, Jill, stumbles upon a mysterious ouija board buried in the sand. Intrigued, they decide to play with it—an act that results in them summoning the titular Ouija Shark, a spectral predator that materializes from thin air to wreak havoc. Unlike traditional sharks, this one is a translucent, floating apparition with an insatiable hunger for human souls. Its supernatural origin allows it to appear anywhere—be it on land or in the sky—making it far more unpredictable and ridiculous than your average killer shark.

The film’s plot quickly shifts into a series of loosely connected scenes involving psychic battles, family drama, and bizarre encounters with the ghost shark. One of the standout characters is Jill’s father, a self-proclaimed “ghost-fighting priest” who uses mystic powers and martial arts to confront the monstrous spirit. The final act of the film becomes a surreal showdown between the forces of good and the vengeful aquatic entity, culminating in an explosion of cheesy visual effects, exaggerated acting, and campy dialogue that seems fully aware of the film’s absurdity.

From a production standpoint, "Ouija Shark" is clearly made with a shoestring budget. The special effects are amateurish, the acting varies in quality, and the editing often feels disjointed. However, this rawness contributes to the movie’s unintentional charm. Its lack of polish and seriousness makes it enjoyable for fans of “so-bad-it’s-good” cinema, who appreciate films that embrace their limitations and lean into their absurdity. The ghost shark itself is a standout example—its translucent appearance and frequent, out-of-place sound effects give it a uniquely goofy presence that’s hard to forget.

"Ouija Shark" has garnered attention online, particularly among fans of niche horror and schlocky indie productions. Its surreal humor, ridiculous premise, and unapologetic commitment to being over-the-top have earned it comparisons to cult classics like “Sharknado” and “Birdemic.” While it’s certainly not a film for everyone, those who enjoy tongue-in-cheek horror parodies or midnight-movie fare may find "Ouija Shark" to be an entertaining, if baffling, experience.

In conclusion, "Ouija Shark" is not a masterpiece of filmmaking by any conventional metric. However, its campy tone, creative concept, and earnest execution make it a notable entry in the world of micro-budget horror. It’s a film that revels in its absurdity, delivering a bizarre and oddly endearing ride for viewers willing to suspend disbelief and embrace the chaos of a ghostly shark summoned from the depths of the occult.