"The Descent" is a psychological thriller/horror movie, which explores just how far someone will go to stay alive.
Adventure seeking friends Sarah, Beth, and Juno have just finished a wild white-water rapid rafting trip...observed by Sarah's husband Paul and their daughter, Jessica. When a tragic car accident takes Paul and Jessica's lives, Sarah goes into a deep depression. Some time later, the girls and a couple of other friends meet up to go spelunking. They head down into a cave system...but when the tunnel collapses, they find themselves trapped inside. Forced deeper into the tunnels...they soon discover...they are not alone in the dark...
A lot of horror movies are undone by the simplest fact in the book: They try to get too creative. Sometimes, simplest is best...and "The Descent" uses this to its advantage. You have a small group...a small setting...darkness...and you have no idea when to expect something to happen. It is impossible not to feel the plight of the trapped characters, and you root for their escape, even if you know it may not happen. The movie takes on a darker side as it progresses....and after the cave-in, you cannot imagine how the movie will turn out. But you will be shocked when you see how it does.
What I found most impressive was the psychological aspect of the film. As I pointed out earlier, this is a simple movie. But it uses what it has to great effect. There are some truly brutal moments that occur...and every one of them has a consequence.
For an excellent horror film with strong psychological underpinnings, "The Descent" is one not to miss.
Starring - Shauna MacDonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, MyAnna Buring, and Nora-Jane Noone. Directed by Neil Marshall.
Time - 1 hour, 39 minutes. Rated - R (Horror violence/gore, language)
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