Product: The Descent (Original Unrated Cut) [Blu-ray] (2006)
Rating: 4.0
Look Out Below
A group of six adventurous women are all set for their first adventure since tragedy struck one of their families. The last trip was white water rafting and this one will be spelunking. Plans are made and the women meet up in the Appalachian mountains. They hike to their cave which looks like a Yucatan sinkhole and begin their adventure. Things are moving smoothly and the women are having fun. But a small rockfall blocks a narrow passage they need to use to exit. Then the truths start to come out. They are not in the cave they thought and they have no maps. The cave is previously unexplored so they have no idea if there is another way out. But with no other choice, they set out deeper into the cave to try and find a way out. If they don't then they will die and no one will know where they are.Further into the cave system it becomes apparent that they are not alone. There are other things that look sort of like people but are pale and blind. They also happen to be excellent climbers, fast, strong, and vicious. Now the women have a two front war on their hands. One the one side they have to fight the cave to find their way out. On the other side they have the cave creatures that think they are their next meal. Tension, action, and desperation mount and time is running out. Will they get out? If they do, who will survive? You will have to watch it to find out.Although remarkably similar to Jeff Long's book THE DESCENT there is nothing in the film, packaging, or extras that makes any mention of it. This is an unusual film in that except for in the first few minutes, the entire cast is female. There is no testosterone-fueled action here and yet it is not needed. The film works. There were a few subtle scenes that actually made my hackles rise (fewer than ten films have managed that). The caves look like real caves and not flat-floored movie caves. The lighting is handled so that it seems like the cavers are supplying all of the light and yet nothing is missed. The tension and action build asymptotically. Slowly at first but then faster and faster. A very well-done film. Check it out.