Product: The Descent (Original Unrated Cut) [Blu-ray] (2006)
Rating: 4.0
The Decent
I wasn't really expecting much from 'The Descent.' From the description, a group of women go cave exploring. Soon enough, the women come across a mysterious noise or two, which rightly so freaks them out. After a bit, the women are trapped, scared, after taking a wrong turn, and in the dark. The source of the frightning sounds shows its face and begins terrorizing the women. Violence and sudden jumps ensue.From the opening of the film, when three female friends are whitewater rafting, we can tell the ladies are lifelong pals and adventerous at heart. Tragically, as one woman is driving home with her family, an accident occurs causing deep psychological and bodily harm to all in the vehicle.After a year, the woman decides to tag along with her friends again, along with another few women she meets. They decide to go cave dwelling to live life on the edge and to let out any deep seeded agression.The tension grows minute by minute as the women explore the inner depths of the cave. Danger lurks all around as either a long drop to the depths below are around the corner, or a potential cave in of the rocks surrounding the travelers may happen at a moments notice.The tension explodes when the friends come across a graveyard of bones mysteriously covering the ground in one portion of the dark cave. They soon realize they are not alone.These women are trespassers upon the grounds of an unknown, pale grey, blind creature who are in no mood to give directions towards home. Instead, they're hungry.The Descent brings to mind the 1987 film Predator. Not only because of the gurgling noise heard long before than the appearance of the creature(s), but also because of the build up and psychology of the actions.Each advesary has their weakness. This weakness must be discovered by the counterpart. Each of them have an advantage, which they use to defeat the other. There is a long time within the film which allows for more and more tension to be created. There are minor jumps and scares here and there until the real roller coaster ride begins and the action commences.It may be true that there are a lot of cliches in this film which are seen in almost every horror movie made. However, The Descent puts a twist on one or two of these cliches. Women as victims, for example; Normally a woman is saved by their 'boyfriend' or whichever man happens to be in the general area. But now, with women being the entire cast, each of them can be the heroes as well. The sudden reveal of the enemy in the dark is another example. Normally the first victim is easy picking and a slight gasp is heard among the audience. With The Descent, things don't go quite that smoothly.Overall this is a very good film for someone who just wants to escape the mundane exsistence of everyday life and everyday horror films. It's different, while at the same time remaining familiar. I was on the edge of my seat and clinching my fists throughout. My knuckles don't often turn white while viewing movies, but this time they did.Watch and enjoy!