IMDb 7.5 2021 HD

Playing with Sharks

Playing with Sharks

2021
Documentary
95 min TV-PG Australia
7.6 / 10
7.5 IMDB

Valerie Taylor is a shark fanatic and an Australian icon – a marine maverick who forged her way as a fearless diver, cinematographer and conservationist. She filmed the…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Sally Aitken
Starring
Valerie Taylor / Ron Taylor / Jeremiah S. Sullivan / Rodney Fox

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

inspiring courageous fascinating informative daring educational respectful vital environmental adventurous iconic pioneering

Reviews

G
Genevieve Croft
Mar 30, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

'Playing with Sharks' is a mesmerising ode to Valerie Taylor, a woman who defied convention and fear to become a leading figure in marine biology and filmmaking. The documentary is a rich tapestry of her life, from her…

C
Caspian Thorne
Mar 30, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This documentary offers a thrilling and insightful look at Valerie Taylor, an Australian icon whose dedication to understanding sharks is nothing short of extraordinary. 'Playing with Sharks' masterfully blends thrilling historical footage, including her vital contributions to the…

B
Beatrice Hayes
Mar 30, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Valerie Taylor emerges as a force of nature in this documentary, her life story as captivating as the sharks she so fearlessly documented. 'Playing with Sharks' showcases her remarkable journey from diver to cinematographer to conservationist, highlighting her…

A
Arthur Finch
Mar 30, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A compelling dive into the life of Valerie Taylor, 'Playing with Sharks' is more than just a biographical piece; it’s an exploration of courage, scientific curiosity, and environmental advocacy. The film’s strength lies in its intimate portrayal of…

E
Eleanor Vance
Mar 30, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This documentary is a powerful tribute to Valerie Taylor, an Australian marine legend whose fearless approach to sharks redefined our understanding of these often-misunderstood creatures. 'Playing with Sharks' expertly weaves together archival footage of her daring dives and…

FAQs

Valerie Taylor's story is exceptionally unique due to her pioneering role as a female cinematographer and diver in a male-dominated field during a critical period of shark research. Her audacious method of using herself as bait for filming, particularly for 'Jaws', was groundbreaking and dangerous, directly contributing to scientific knowledge. This blend of fearless exploration, artistic skill, and a profound dedication to conservation sets her apart as a truly remarkable figure in wildlife cinema.