Neil Marshall Has Made a Horror Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (8 August 2006)

I first became aware of THE DESCENT back in late 2005, during its successful voyage through the festival circuit. Because of the buzz surrounding the film, I scoured the internet for any news I could find, like a rabid zombie feeling the burning hunger that only fresh meat can satisfy. Eventually, the trailer hit and the announcement of the theatrical release date shortly afterward. To say that I was like a kid of Christmas would be an understatement. I honestly don't remember the last time I was this giddy about a seeing movie. Was it dangerous to build up my expectations like that? Probably, but I was confident enough in the material to do so. August 4th, 2006 - that burning hunger finally subsided.
This instant horror classic is about a group of girls who reunite one year later after a tragic accident, for a caving expedition. Geared up and more energetic then a group of druids at a D&D convention, they descend into the cave. Smashing good times ahead, ladies! Unfortunately, before the girls can start making out with one another, something goes horribly wrong and their entry point is suddenly blocked, forcing them to find another way out. With limited battery power and supplies, they are now in a race against time. And to make matters even worse, there are others things in the caves besides themselves. (And no  they're not Oompa-Loompas!) Oddly enough, my favorite element of THE DESCENT was not the girls, nor the creatures they encounter, but the cave itself. The cave to me was like the water in JAWS. I don't like the ocean because I can't see what's below the water. I don't like caves because of the tight spaces. I'm not the type of person who pisses themselves when being confined in small tight spaces, but I don't enjoy it - that's for sure. With that being said, allow to describe one of the most unnerving sequences in the film for me. No, it's cool! No major spoilers here, I promise.
Once the girls have all repelled into the cavern, one of them immediately maps out their next route. After considering a few options, she decides on a path and starts her way through. With only the light from her head gear, we watch her scuffle through several gaps which are decreasing in size. She's been doing this for twenty seconds and my stomach is already turning. She then proceeds into an even smaller space, squirming around, bending her body to fit through the tunnel. My stomach turns again. She then precedes into yet another section of the tunnel which is even smaller. Barf! To put this into perspective, you would have a hard time placing a pencil between her shoulders and the walls. I honestly couldn't take it. Just as I was about to exit the theater for a two minute break she ended up finding the next room. Thank God! So yeah, I've rarely ever dealt with scenes of emotional intensity like that during a movie before. Very nerve-wracking and very cool! I also enjoyed Neil Marshall's story. I mean talk about a tight script! The characters, story, dialogue and pacing are all exceptionally well thought out. You know how a movie sometimes has that great scene that everyone talks about? Well, this flick has about seven of those. I can think four sequences right now that were truly bothersome to me. They're memorable because you care about these girls and some seriously bad stuff happens to them. It's just unforgiving at times. Good twists, too. I was constantly surprised by some of the story choices that were made: pretty ballsy choices in my opinion, and certainly not commercial ones.
Earlier on I wrote that this was an instant horror classic, and I truly believe that. People bitch to me all the time how there's nothing original in horror these days. Well, here you go! This movie will make you uncomfortable, scare you, gross you out and entertain you for the entire 139 minutes. When I left the theater I felt that I had seen something new and fresh, and of course, very well-executed.
Overall, THE DESCENT is one of the best horror movies I have ever seen. I'd even say it's now in my Top Twenty of all time. So yes, you must see this film. But for God's sakes - will you please see it in the theater, or at home in the dark with a kick-ass sound system? If you watch this movie on a sunny Sunday afternoon, you'll never understand what I am talking about here.