Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Binding: DVD Format: NTSC Label: Lions Gate Films Manufacturer: Lions Gate Films Publisher: Lions Gate Films Studio: Lions Gate Films Theatrical Release Date: 2006-08-04
Claustrophobia and bloody mayhem collide in the high-adrenaline horror flick The Descent. Six women (including one who lost her husband and child the year before, and one who harbors a bitter secret) spelunk in an unexplored cavern system that turns out to harbor mysterious, predatory creatures. That sums up the story, but--as with writer-director Neil Marshall's previous low-concept movie, Dog Soldiers--the plot doesn't begin to describe the riveting, stomach-lurching thrills this movie provides. The script affords the relatively unknown cast (led by Shauna Macdonald and Natalie Mendoza, both excellent) just enough room to make their characters distinct and genuine, so that when they're dropped into utmost peril our empathy is engaged as much as our fear. The dynamic direction and editing make the cavern a palpable, physical presence, even before the creepy beasts crawl out of their nooks. This is not a movie for everyone; it is extremely gruesome and will induce panic attacks in anyone with even a mild fear of closed spaces. But for anyone seeking something smarter, faster, and more wrenching than static torture-fests like Saw or Hostel, The Descent will draw you into its unsettling ooze. --Bret Fetzer
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Best Horror Film Ever Comment: Having grown up in the era of Dark Shadows and to later be a follower of slasher films, I rarely experience fear like tendencies during a movie such as screaming. I'm embarrassed to admit that I screamed even before the cast of all women adventurers entered the cave.
The movie opens with three women white water rafting. They come on shore where a little girl and husband to one of the rafters are waiting. During the encounter, there is something off and I suspected the hubby's fooling around. Before the idea has a chance to ferment, there is an accident.
One year later, the three meet again, only with three more to explore a cave. Unbeknownst to five of the members, this is a cave off the tourist map. A cave in leads them deeper to where a new species of predator exists.
The ending isn't the end of the story. THE DESCENT 2 is scheduled out in 2009 and it will pick up where this left off. I can't wait to see it. I need to know who survived! Customer Rating: Summary: Another "Read the book instead" movie Comment: I normally don't write bad reviews of movies, especially horror, but after seeing how many stars this movie was getting I have to stand up and say "Huh?!"
If you read the book by Jeff Long you'll be ashamed to have seen this movie and thought it was any good. Perhaps reading the book first is why I was so disappointed with this movie. The two have almost no connection except for the "monsters", and the idea of being underground. The movie had very few "suspenseful" scenes and had to rely on shock value most of the time.
It did, however, create a strong atmosphere of being secluded and closed in, better than any underground movie I've ever seen. I literally began to feel the claustrophobia come over me from watching some of the scenes, but that was the only reason to give this movie any stars.
It has gore for gore, the plot is not well thought out, the acting is only so-so, and it has a typical female heroine. The ending also leaves alot to be desired.
In conclusion, read the book and see how great this movie should have been! Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent Horror Movie! Top-rated effects! Comment: This is the best horror movie I've seen due to the realism of the cave creatures. They are undoubtedly the perfect "monsters" ever created for a horror movie. I didn't like the ending, but liked the movie so much, I have watched it more than once. The Blu-ray DVD quality is absolutely amazing. Special features included with the DVD are excellent. However, watch them only after viewing the movie, as they show a lot of how the movie was made and will take away some of the suspense. Very scary because it is so realistic!
Customer Rating: Summary: Terror In The Dark Comment: This may be the single scariest movie I have ever seen. An all-female group of spelunkers drops into a mountain cave and a world of blackness and death. Good God, this is a scary movie. Did I say it's scary? Yeah? Well, I was right. It's scary.
Make sure to see the unrated director's cut, because the cut they showed theatrically in America slices the actual very creepy end off of the flick. Customer Rating: Summary: A Nice Surprise Comment: A bunch of adventure seeking women decide to explore a cave as part of their yearly get together. They discover more than bats and stalactites on this exploration.
I had no idea what this movie was about when I started watching it but I was pleasantly surprised. I was not familiar with any of the actresses but they definitely gave it their all in the cramped quarters of the cave. The movie reminded me of some of the best zombie movies but the tension is not left all up to the creatures. The setting plays a huge beautiful role. I highly recommend this film.
