The Descent
Afraid of the dark? You will be.
One year after a tragic accident, six girlfriends meet in a remote part of the Appalachians for their annual caving trip. Deep below the surface of the earth, disaster strikes when a rock falls and blocks their route back to the surface. The girls soon learn that Juno, the thrill-seeking leader of the expedition, has brought them to an unexplored cave and that as a result no one knows where they are to come rescue them. The group splinters and each push on, praying for another exit. But there is something else lurking under the earth - a race of monstrous humanoid creatures that are adapted perfectly to life in the dark. As the friends realize they are now prey, they are forced to unleash their most primal instincts in an all-out war against an unspeakable horror—one that attacks without warning, again and again and again.
Member Reviews
All around great movie - DarkRiderTommy
This is a thriller/horror movie that will appeal to a wide audience. While there's definitely some blood, it relies more on situational terror than just being a gorefest. The characters are deeper than one expects, and it's actually quite fun to see how they play off each other. Overall I'd say it is a good pick for someone who's not a regular viewer of this genre.A Hidden Gem of Horror - Just_Lacks_Zazz
I began the Descent with a friend of mine with the same mindset I have with every modern day horror: that it's going to be awful. To my pleasant surprise, it was the exact opposite.
The Descent begins with a somewhat sketchy back story which isn't anything special but it does get the job done and sets the stage for the upcoming terror nicely. As we go down into the earth with the characters, the development of a claustrophobic atmosphere occurs almost instantly which I have to say is the best part of this movie. Shortly after, it quickly makes way to a sense of absolute hopelessness. This movie bothered me enough before the monsters were introduced and I just about fell off of my chair when they were. Afterward, the movie loses a bit of it's scaring capabilities but it really doesn't lose it's greatness. From there on it just gets better and better. Make sure to watch this movie, it's great from start to finish!Nothing Scares Me - This Did - Pilchards
Hugely entertaining, original and incredibly frightening as the suspense builds and we are given glimpses of what these women are up against. The film builds momentum perfectly; the pacing into chaos is gradual yet this only builds suspense.
Visually, the film is interesting and well shot. Several techniques are used - from infra-red hand-held camera footage to wide nature shots. This film is the perfect balance between thriller and horror, escalating nicely into a marvelous gore fest that should satisfy any horror fan.
Dare I say that in addition to being effective as a horror film, The Descent also has a strong feminist vibe to it (don't be scared, it's just underlying). This is due to many subtle factors, one being that the women are never exploited as sexual objects (how refreshing!). They are believable as real people. Each character is a unique and multi-faceted individual, which (in my opinion) definitely enhances the 'viewing experience,' so to speak. These factors only reinforce the originality and freshness of the film. Nowadays it seems film-makers are relying on all the wrong things (aka special effects and sex) to keep people interested. The Descent needs none of that to remain absolutely enthralling from start to finish.
Member Reviews
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All around great movie - DarkRiderTommy
This is a thriller/horror movie that will appeal to a wide audience. While there's definitely some blood, it relies more on situational terror than just being a gorefest. The characters are deeper than one expects, and it's actually quite fun to see how they ...A Hidden Gem of Horror - Just_Lacks_Zazz
I began the Descent with a friend of mine with the same mindset I have with every modern day horror: that it's going to be awful. To my pleasant surprise, it was the exact opposite.
The Descent begins with a somewhat sketchy back story which isn't ...Nothing Scares Me - This Did - Pilchards
Hugely entertaining, original and incredibly frightening as the suspense builds and we are given glimpses of what these women are up against. The film builds momentum perfectly; the pacing into chaos is gradual yet this only builds suspense.
Visually, ...