A scary and disturbing film that also manages to retain a strong sense of emotion

Rating: 8/10 (20 February 2006)

Given That Neil Marshall's debut film, Dog Soldiers, was such a muddled affair than it is of great surprise that his second movie proves to be something of the reverse. Despite the fact that the film is a virtually re-run of Dog Soldiers: The Descent proves to be both disturbing and scary whilst also being surprisingly emotional. Drawing from films such as Deliverance and the Alien series Marshall manages to create an effective sense of claustrophobia and fear. This sets the perfect backdrop for the chaos that follows as the six women understand just why the cave remains unnamed. Yet, this film would not the film that it is without the three female leads (Natalie Mendoza in particular stands out)and the brilliant score from David Julvan. This coupled with Marshall's effective sense of direction gives the film an artistry that one would not normally associate with the horror genre. And that for a genre which is often so predictable and restricted is praise enough for this film.