Forensic psychologist Professor Susan Young agrees that the fear of “the unknown, being alone and helpless” is powerful.

She says watching terrifying shark films in the comfort of your own home or in the cinema “allows you to confront your fears without real danger… and release pent up emotions in a safe and controlled environment”.

Prof Young adds: “It means people can face the boundaries of human behaviour and by viewing extreme content they’re testing their own limits and boundaries… and that emotional release is a form of catharsis.”

She explains that Sigmund Freud’s theories apply as, “from a psychodynamic perspective, these films tap into unconscious fears and desires and provide this safe outlet for exploring repressed emotions and instincts such as aggression and the fear of death”.