Just finished. Definately a quick, satisfying read helped along by short yet visual sentences. Felt a lot like Sandra Bullock’s Gravity, substituting space with the ocean.
Ashley Berns' Screenwriting Class (Feb 2021) : The Shallows by Tom Kuhl
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It reminded me of 127 Hours or Open Water. It confirms what we heard from Ashley about ideas vs. execution. Indeed, the writing was excellent and crisp, no words wasted. It worked on so many levels, that it is a great example to look at. Even though the story itself threw me off after a while - I couldn't get my head around the stalking shark.
I was taught good stories have no more than one suspension of disbelief. For you it was the shark continuing to circle, for me it was the belief that a school of jelly fish could protect Nancy from the shark as she tried to get back to the bouy.
Personally, I think writers can get away with more if the audience becomes so invested will the plight of the protagonist that they forget about details.
For those who aren’t familar with suspension of disbelief, here’s the Wiki:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_of_disbelief
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Interesting point! I will keep it in mind. I've discussed it with a friend and it applies to a lot of stories. Thanks for the link!