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‘Greyhound’ Meets ‘Jaws’ in the 97-Minute Sleeper Hit Taking Over the World
Beast of War, a 2025 WWII action thriller from UK studio Cornerstone, has become a surprise streaming hit on HBO Max, ranking in the top 10 most-watched films globally across more than 25 countries. The film, directed by Kiah Roache-Turner, has captured international audiences with its unique premise blending survival drama and creature terror.
The film stars Australian soldiers stranded on a shrinking life raft in the Timor Sea during World War II, who must contend with enemy attacks, interpersonal conflict, and a great white shark. It has achieved a strong 90% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though audiences gave it a more modest 55% on the Popcornmeter. Beast of War is available on HBO Max globally and on AMC+ in America.
In short
- Beast of War becomes top 10 hit across 25+ countries on HBO Max
- WWII survival film blends military action with great white shark terror
- Critics favour it (90%), whilst audiences respond more reservedly (55%)
Explained simply
During the Second World War, Australian soldiers fought in the Pacific against Japan, and sea routes across the region were dangerous. Timor lies north of Australia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans, making its surrounding waters part of this wartime setting.
Beast of War is a survival thriller about Australian soldiers stranded on a raft in the Timor Sea. With little room or safety, they face threats from the war and from a shark, while tensions among the group add to their struggle to stay alive.