Lana Condor and Kathryn Newton on representation, their new shark movie and body image

Shark movies have a way of pulling audiences in no matter how many times the premise repeats: danger in open water, survival stakes, and the rush of seeing characters pushed to their limits. The new Prime Video release The Devil’s Mouth tries to do more than deliver jump scares—director Jeff Wadlow frames a taut predator thriller around female friendships and coming-of-age moments, with Lana Condor and Kathryn Newton fronting the cast.

Beyond the action, the film is sparking conversations about casting, on-screen bodies, and who gets to lead genre films. Both stars talk openly about why representation matters and how thoughtful production choices—like costume design and physical storytelling—shape the way viewers see themselves in mainstream movies.

How The Devil’s Mouth retools the shark-movie formula

Rather than relying only on spectacle, the film places character dynamics at the center. A tight group of friends becomes the emotional core, and survival sequences are used to reveal personality, history, and conflict. The result aims to balance visceral thrills with human stakes.

• Character-driven tension: interpersonal conflict fuels the suspense.
• Female-focused narrative: women occupy the primary arc and carry the action.
• Genre with purpose: the horror/thriller trappings serve character development, not just shock value.

Lana Condor and Kathryn Newton: performances that carry the film

Condor plays Max, a charismatic and divisive presence whose swagger masks deeper layers. Newton’s Sara serves as a counterpart—steady, resourceful, and increasingly central as events spiral. Both actors lean into physicality and nuanced beats to make the stakes feel personal rather than purely cinematic.

Why genre work is a proving ground

Newton has built a resume rich in tense, high-energy genre roles, and she says that part of the challenge is keeping the audience emotionally invested even when the outcome seems obvious. A shark picture promises danger; the real job is sustaining tension and believability so viewers care about who survives.

• Notable genre credits: Newton’s recent films include high-profile thrillers that helped hone her approach to physical and emotional performance.
• Commitment to authenticity: on-set scrapes and bruises added to the sense of reality rather than detracting from it.

Asian representation: progress and the road ahead

Condor points out that Asian actors have gained more visibility in recent years, but she stresses that increased presence doesn’t yet equal parity. Roles for Asian performers still tend to be limited or supporting, and Condor argues for the deliberate creation of leading parts.

Condor’s mission beyond star turns

Her breakout in a widely streamed romantic hit helped normalize East Asian leads in mainstream stories, and that experience continues to motivate her work. Condor frames her choices as part of a larger push: she wants projects that let viewers from similar backgrounds see themselves reflected on screen.

• Observed gains: more roles than a few years ago, but still far from widespread representation.
• Needed changes: more leads written for Asian actors and more stories centering non-white experiences.
• Industry role models: productions and platforms that champion diverse casting can create momentum.

Body diversity and costume choices that matter

The Devil’s Mouth also foregrounds physical diversity in ways that resonate off-screen. Condor chose a one-piece swimsuit for her role, a decision tied to personal healing from body-image struggles and a desire for comfort and safety while filming in high-resolution, prolonged water sequences.

She worked directly with the costume team to ensure the swimwear supported confidence and on-set well-being—an example of how wardrobe can be part of inclusive filmmaking.

• Safety and confidence: Condor advocated for a design that let her perform without feeling exposed.
• Visibility matters: casting people with different body types helps push back on narrow beauty ideals in Hollywood.
• Practical considerations: water work, camera clarity, and long shooting days all shaped costume decisions.

Physical demands of shooting a survival thriller

Both leads describe the shoot as physically committed work. The action required contact scenes, stunts, and the kind of wear-and-tear that becomes part of the performance. Instead of treating injuries as setbacks, the actors framed them as “battle scars” that heightened the film’s realism.

• Stunt preparedness: performers trained and took hits to sell the urgency on screen.
• Practical effects and endurance: prolonged water sequences and real-time reactions tested stamina.
• Performance payoff: visible marks and fatigue helped sell credibility in perilous moments.

Why audiences and studios should pay attention to representation

Recent responses to more diverse central characters—across body type, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation—show that viewers want to see themselves in bigger roles. When shows and films populate lead positions with a range of identities, they expand the cultural conversation and tap into underserved audiences.

• Commercial upside: inclusivity can broaden appeal and viewer loyalty.
• Creative benefits: different perspectives generate fresher storytelling opportunities.
• Social impact: on-screen diversity influences cultural norms and individual self-image.

When and where to stream The Devil’s Mouth

The Devil’s Mouth will be available to stream on Prime Video beginning July 29. Expect a mix of tense set-pieces and character-driven moments that aim to make the shark thriller feel both familiar and personal.

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David Miller

David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.