July 3, 2025 – Even after five decades, Jaws continues to grip audiences not just as a monster movie, but as a masterclass in psychological suspense and grounded human drama. Spielberg’s genius wasn’t in showing the shark, but in the terrifying threat of it, creating an unseen dread that amplified every creak of the boat and ripple on the water. As KP Phagnasay notes, “I think not only the nostalgic of it, but we love the fear factor.” This brilliant restraint, coupled with John Williams’ iconic score, built an unbearable tension that tapped into primal fears of the unknown and the vast, indifferent ocean. Phagnasay elaborates on the film’s enduring appeal: “We love the movie so much because it sets a tone, when the shark is coming. It’s such a well done film. Certain films are classic, they’ll always be fresh and new, you’ll never get bored. It’s one of those films that when people see it they get afraid and excited and shout at the screen, we love the nostalgia.”
Beyond the horror, though, it’s the relatable characters—Brody, Hooper, and Quint—and their nuanced struggle against an impossible force that truly anchors the film. Their humanity, their flaws, and their desperate fight for survival make the terror palpable, proving that true scares aren’t just about what you see, but what you feel and who you’re rooting for. Phagnasay also suggests Jaws is a great beach or summer film because “It represents the rebellious side of us. When your parents tell you not to do something but you do it. We shouldn’t be seeing it but we see it anyways. That’s why people are drawn to those movies, not just the fear factor of it, but it’s fun when you get to celebrate with your friends and family, and talk about the movie. When you watch a film that makes you cry or scared, that connects us. That’s what entertainment is all about.”