Dive into the thrilling, dark waters of Under Paris (2024)—a gripping shark-horror film that brings a supernatural twist to the iconic City of Lights. Directed by Xavier Gens and backed by Netflix, Under Paris combines suspenseful underwater scenes, mythological references, and unexpected plot twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Set against the backdrop of the 2024 Paris Olympics, this film ventures into the deep mysteries of Paris’s waterways with Lilith, a demonically inspired shark whose presence turns the Seine into a realm of terror. Packed with cinematic homages and clever cultural nods, Under Paris is a refreshing take on horror that contrasts with Paris’s typical romantic image. Whether you’re a dedicated horror fan or intrigued by this unique twist on French culture, our trivia collection will deepen your appreciation of this eerie masterpiece and uncover hidden details you may have missed. Get ready to explore some of the most interesting behind-the-scenes secrets and fan-favorite facts about Under Paris!
50 Under Paris Trivia Questions and Answers
1. Where were the triathlete swimming scenes in Under Paris filmed?
Answer: They were filmed in an open-air water tank in Alicante, Spain, rather than in the Seine River.
2. Why were the swimming scenes in Under Paris not filmed in the Seine?
Answer: The Seine has high pollution levels, and the French government has invested heavily to improve water quality.
3. How does Lilith, the shark, reproduce in Under Paris?
Answer: Lilith reproduces asexually, without a mate—a phenomenon seen in some real shark species.
4. What is the significance of Lilith’s name in the movie?
Answer: Lilith is named after a mythological she-demon often associated with darkness and monsters.
5. Where were most of the underwater scenes shot in Under Paris?
Answer: They were filmed at an indoor water stage in Belgium.
6. When was Under Paris released on Netflix relative to the 2024 Paris Olympics?
Answer: It was released one month before the 2024 Paris Olympics, a theme referenced in the movie.
Answer: Stephen King expressed his admiration for the film on social media.
8. How long did the cast rehearse before filming began?
Answer: The cast spent five weeks rehearsing before filming commenced.
9. What notable visual nod does Under Paris make to the classic movie Jaws?
Answer: Lilith swims with yellow barrels trailing behind her, similar to the shark-tracking barrels in Jaws.
10. What other 2023 production featured a post-apocalyptic Paris?
Answer: The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon series also depicted a gritty version of Paris.
11. What names did fans suggest as alternate titles for Under Paris?
Answer: Fans suggested titles like “Shark de Triomphe” and “Chomps Élysées.”
12. Which device in Under Paris resembles a prop from the movie ALIENS?
Answer: The police divers’ handheld sonar monitors are similar to the M314 Motion Tracker in ALIENS.
13. What does Lilith’s asexual reproduction symbolize in the film?
Answer: It aligns with her namesake’s demonic myth, where Lilith is known as the Mother of Monsters.
14. Did Under Paris have a sequel planned at release?
Answer: No immediate sequel was planned, but director Xavier Gens hinted at a potential underwater Paris setting for a follow-up.
15. Why did Netflix step in to produce Under Paris?
Answer: Xavier Gens was initially turned down by French production companies, leading Netflix to back the project.
16. In which language was the Canadian French plot outline for Under Paris published?
Answer: It was published in Canadian French to cater to regional audiences.
Answer: Many viewers humorously criticized the title, leading Netflix to post mock posters with suggested names.
18. How does Lilith the shark stand out among movie sharks?
Answer: Unlike most movie sharks, Lilith has a strong mythological background and is capable of asexual reproduction.
19. How does Under Paris challenge typical depictions of Paris in film?
Answer: It presents a dark, intense narrative far from the romanticized “City of Lights” image.
20. What type of filming tank was used in Spain for Under Paris?
Answer: The scenes were shot in an open-air water tank to simulate the Seine’s atmosphere.
21. How does Under Paris relate to real scientific findings?
Answer: Lilith’s asexual reproduction is grounded in real shark biology, as some species reproduce without a mate.
22. What unique quality does Lilith have as a mother?
Answer: As an asexual mother, she creates a large number of offspring, tying back to her mythological moniker as the “Mother of Monsters.”
23. What Parisian monument title was humorously adapted for the movie?
Answer: “Shark de Triomphe” was a fan suggestion, playing off Paris’s famous Arc de Triomphe.
24. Which platform provided Under Paris worldwide release and popularity?
Answer: Netflix handled the worldwide distribution, bringing it to a global audience.
25. What does Lilith’s name reference in ancient demonology?
Answer: Lilith is a mythical figure known as Adam’s first wife and is often depicted as a she-demon.
26. Which city hosted the production stage for underwater scenes?
Answer: The indoor water stage was located in Belgium.
Answer: They posted images of fan-suggested titles, creating engagement and humor around the film’s reception.
28. How did the film handle challenging underwater scenes?
Answer: They used specially constructed water stages to control lighting and create dynamic underwater shots.
29. What genre does Under Paris primarily belong to?
Answer: It falls within the horror thriller genre, blending supernatural and real-world elements.
30. Who was one of the first high-profile fans of Under Paris?
Answer: Horror author Stephen King was an early supporter of the film.
31. What real-life environmental issue is subtly addressed in Under Paris?
Answer: The polluted state of the Seine highlights environmental challenges within urban areas.
32. What cultural theme is reflected in Under Paris?
Answer: It combines French myth with urban legends, blending cultural heritage with horror.
33. What is the climax event that creates suspense in Under Paris?
Answer: Lilith’s offspring emerge, hinting at a legacy of terror even beyond her own existence.
34. What production company initially turned down Under Paris?
Answer: Multiple French production companies passed on the project.
35. What was one of the primary filming locations outside of France?
Answer: Spain served as a key location for the open-water sequences.
36. How does the movie build a unique vision of Paris underwater?
Answer: Through atmospheric cinematography and horror elements, it depicts Paris as a dark, haunting cityscape.
37. What cinematic technique stands out in Under Paris for horror fans?
Answer: Suspenseful underwater scenes echo Jaws, enhancing fear of the unseen predator.
38. What upcoming event does Under Paris foreshadow through its setting?
Answer: The Paris 2024 Olympics, indirectly referenced in the backdrop of the story.
39. What technology did the divers use that nods to classic horror cinema?
Answer: Their sonar monitors pay homage to sci-fi horror, especially ALIENS.
40. What creature inspired Lilith’s character design?
Answer: Lilith is inspired by both real sharks and mythical demon lore.
41. What was a common online reaction to Under Paris’ title?
Answer: Social media users found it humorous and suggested their own creative alternatives.
42. How does Under Paris set itself apart in its genre?
Answer: It blends supernatural and environmental horror with modern urban legend, distinct from typical shark thrillers.
43. How many species of sharks are known to reproduce asexually, like Lilith?
Answer: At least two species of sharks are known to reproduce without a mate.
44. What does Lilith’s journey through Paris symbolize?
Answer: It represents a blending of ancient myth with modern urban chaos.
45. What is the underlying mythological aspect of Lilith’s character?
Answer: She echoes Lilith from demonology, connected to creation of monstrous offspring.
46. How did the film’s release timing benefit its reception?
Answer: Its release just before the Paris Olympics boosted its visibility and relevance.
Answer: They posted mock movie posters based on fan title suggestions.
48. What unique narrative aspect separates Lilith from other sharks in film?
Answer: Her character is both a mother and a predator, rooted in ancient lore.
49. What practical considerations led to filming in Alicante, Spain?
Answer: The Seine’s pollution levels made it unsuitable for filming.
50. What type of horror is featured in Under Paris?
Answer: The film combines elements of supernatural and ecological horror, emphasizing suspense and mythology.
Conclusion
Under Paris brings new depths to shark horror, using a mythological she-demon as its central antagonist while reimagining Paris with haunting allure. From Stephen King’s early praise to fans’ amusing title suggestions, this film has already left a significant mark on audiences worldwide. With themes of mythology, environmentalism, and cinematic nods to horror classics, Under Paris delivers a complex narrative that extends beyond surface scares. We hope this trivia list enriched your experience of the film, uncovering layers of meaning and production details that make Under Paris a standout in modern horror. Keep these fascinating facts in mind for your next viewing—and who knows, with rumors of a sequel, we might soon be back in the depths of Paris’s haunting underwater world!
