Beneath

A practical, protective teen who warns others about the lake and tries to mediate the group’s behavior. He bravely attempts to rescue his friends, and his leadership is central even as the group’s dynamics fray. His fate comes with a tragic death as the rope around his neck pulls him under.

Zeke is impulsive and confrontational, quick to stir trouble and spread suspicions. He pushes the group toward dangerous decisions and ends up overboard, where the fish consumes him, recording his ordeal on a GoPro. His actions accelerate the group’s collapse and doom.

Kitty is wary and reactive, driven by suspicions about Johnny and complicated by the others’ rivalries. She clings to the necklace for protection and struggles to navigate the dangerous dynamics. She is ultimately confronted by Simon and killed in the shallows.

Deb is Kitty’s friend and a supportive member of the group who becomes one of the first victims. Her death underscores the immediacy of the threat and the price of their reckless excursion.

Matt is Kitty’s boyfriend, protective yet volatile, involved in the group’s escalating tensions. He participates in the chaotic events and ultimately becomes another victim as the fish claims him.

Simon is Matt’s enigmatic brother, increasingly unhinged and aggressive. He escalates violence, kills Kitty, and is pursued by Mr. Parks before being dragged under by the predator. His arc culminates in a violent end.