A scary ride.

Rating: 8/10 (13 June 2006)

I think this is a great example of how films in the Horror/Suspense genre can be intelligently and originally handled. One of the most important aspects is the dynamics of the relationship between the six women and how their relationships are affected by their experiences in the caves. I think this is handled really well and adds another dimension to the film. The crawlers, or whatever they are, are plausible creatures and the director answers the obvious questions the viewer might have about them. I agree with other comments that The Descent grips the viewer from the very start and never lets up. It is exciting, disturbing and frightening in turns, though I did feel that the violence and gore could have been toned down a little without harming the tension or the quality of the film. Maybe it's just me, but I also thought that the ending was a little rushed, with two much happening suddenly in the last 15-20 minutes. I wasn't too happy with the way it ended either. I think small changes would have made a more effective conclusion; but that didn't spoil the overall impact of the film. It's the kind of film that hits hard and stays in the memory and I reckon most people will come out of the movie theatre feeling quite exhausted. I have to say that for anyone who suffers from claustrophobia it is a doubly scary ride!