Why this film works so well

Rating: 9/10 (6 January 2007)

There is so much bad horror being made today that when a good one comes around it is worth rejoicing. Usually when I see a scary film and a monster or creature doesn't show up for 20 minutes I get a little miffed. Well guess what folks, the first creature in this film really shows up close to an hour into the film and well past the half way mark. But Neil Marshall creates a wonderful drama between the group of all female spelunkers and he also directs some real action movie drama as they negotiate through the perils of an underground cave. I really enjoyed the creatures; although I felt their underground senses and abilities seemed to vary from scene to scene.
Marshall doesn't exploit the women in the film sexually as is the case in almost every horror film in the last 20 years and the film is much better for it. I did not care much for Marshall's much lauded "Dog Soldiers" but I have a feeling this writer director has a long and successful career ahead of him.