Into the Heart of Darkness

Rating: 9/10 (13 June 2020)

Is "The Descent" a horror movie? Yes. But it is also an adventure, action, thriller, and a drama film as well. Does it work on all those levels? Yes.
The movie hits the ground running and does not let up until the end credits roll. And what ending you get depends on the version you see. I recommend the uncut unrated which gives the film a fitting ending; absolving it of any need for a sequel.
Yes, there was a sequel. Yes it ruined the whole thing. It added nothing useful. In fact what it added, detracted! I'd like to pretend it never happened and I never saw "The Descent II"
This original film is a masterwork solid stand alone nightmare. The best part about it is that it could all really happen; sans the horror aspect. Tho... who knows, right??
Only issue I had in all the viewings I have given this gem, is in the darkness of the caves, you cannot clearly tell who is who. This leads to some confusion over who is a victim and who is surviving. Not a show stopper as soon all is made clear.
Like "The Children", "The Descent" grabs you from the start and does not let go. Gratefully no sequel was made for "The Children"!