The Descent (2005) Directed by Neil Marshall
This is the first, in a new segment I’m calling “31 Recommendations.” Basically I am suggesting a movie that I love, which may not get much credit or mentions. Also it is one of the few movies I have done on this blog, that I actually saw in the theater. In a time of Saw ripoffs, the Descent dared to be different. Not overly excessive on the gore or blood, the Descent pays more attention to atmosphere. Man does this movie have atmosphere! The cave setting gives you the feeling of claustrophobia and the creatures are terrifying. As stated in my introduction to this year’s marathon, I’m going non spoilers for my reviews and recommendations. Lets jump into why I love this movie.
The setting, the setting is incredible, what can I say? The idea of going into an unexplored cave is unnerving by itself. Then throw in the creatures they discover deep within the cave system, you have all the creepiness you could want. The characters are all very strong and attractive women. Each woman has their own personality and you really develop connections and quickly decide who your favorite is. While I confess two of the girls seem to merge for me, the others are really strong. During the film we get the women squeezing through small areas in the dark cave, you almost hold your breathe on every bend. This is before we even see the antagonists. When the creatures are introduced, the tension and intensity is magnified. I will refrain from mentioning anything about the creatures, including looks and actions. It is really something you have to see to experience.
Why this movie isn’t mentioned in any conversations about top horror movies, is really beyond me. Maybe it is the fact that it isn’t an American production? The movie is British, and all the women have accents except Juno. Why she doesn’t have an accent, I really don’t know? The actress is Australian, but basically looks Asian. The Descent holds a high score on IMDB, which isn’t an easy accomplishment. So many good horror movies have low scores on IMDB. There are some confusing moments in the movie, and the ending was changed for American audiences…you know because we are morons. I own the unrated version, which has both endings, and believe me you can tell which is the American version, it fits that cliché that we all loved at the time.
I would give The Descent an A, I don’t throw around A’s very often on this blog so you know how high of quality I think this is. There was a sequel made, which was ok, but it suffered from the common problem a lot of sequels have where its basically just the first movie all over again. I say stick with the first movie, watch it in the dark and get that closed in feeling of the cave. Let me know what you think if you watch it, I’d love to hear from you. Enjoy and feel the girl power of the Descent!
