The Descent (2005) - Review and Analysis by Jason Pitt for Critical-Film.com

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The Descent A film review by Jason Pitt For Critical-film.com   Perhaps my expectations were too high... I'd been looking forward to "The Descent" since it's initial release in the UK, but being unable to import a DVD in an NTSC format (something I generally do to avoid having to wait for a butchered American release, which has been reconstructed to appeal to the American intellect (or Hollywood's misconception that Americans only want to see brainless action/violence without any semblance of sensible plot). The film came and went through a theatrical release, of which I was not fortunate enough to see, and has now found it's way to DVD in an 'uncut' presentation, which is stellar enough in presentation alone to increase the atmosphere substantially.   The plot itself is quite simple... A group of female friends set out to explore an underground cave, and soon find themselves trapped. What's worse is that they may not be alone. Sounds like pretty standard horror stuff, right? While the concept is far from original, the film benefits from an incredible amount of atmosphere. The film is very dark, and the only light in many scenes comes from the lamps mounted to each woman's hard hat. Director Neil Marshall's attempt at making the film as dark as possible, is the reason for the film's biggest success - it is incredibly atmospheric. Incredibly tight caverns lit by only a small light, otherwise black as pitch, are an incredible setting, and Marshall utilizes this aspect to the fullest, creating the most claustrophobic, and atmospheric film I've seen in a long time. He understands the concept of suspense, and realizes that what you don't see is much more frightening than the events that transpire on screen. So often during the film, there is a small light surrounded by seemingly endless darkness. Frightening noises fill the speakers, and we know that eventually the frantic light is going to reveal... something. A masterful horror director can make a traditional 'shock' sequence much more effective, by building up to it with ample suspense. Neil Marshall understands this, and is certainly one of the most competent directors working in horror today. One sequence involving a night-vision camera surveying an unexplored room creates the best shock of the entire film. You will be scared shitless.   While the film's execution was incredible, the film is certainly not without its faults. The concept is hardly original, and even the spectacular setting is not wholly unique, as it's been seen before in films such as “The Cave” (who would've thunk?). The setting is utilized much more effectively in “The Descent”, however, it does go to show how little the film brings to the table in terms of originality.   Thanks to a surprising amount of exposition, the characters all come off as believable, and even sympathetic. The situation involving a group of friends going cave-diving is also given a reasonable amount of believability, thanks to a generous amount of back-story. This is all to the films benefit of course, as every aspect of the film is handled incredibly well. Neil Marshall is certainly a director to watch, as he's proven, with “The Descent” that when given a decent budget he can craft a truly frightening film, with an ample amount of suspense. As much as I'd love to give “The Descent” a 4-star rating, I don't believe there's anything here that hasn't been seen before. I'm slightly reminded of a film I had reviewed earlier, called “Creep”, in which Franka Potente is terrorized by a deranged creature in the Subways under London . That film also showcased a good use of setting and suspense, but failed to add anything to the genre. I still recommend “The Descent” as many, I'm sure, will be scared out of their wits. Just don't expect the next great horror film…   (Three and a half stars)   This review was provided in HTML format, as your browser is not capable of displaying flash content. To experience Critical-Film.com the way it was meant to be seen, please download the flash player from <a href="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash&promoid=BIOW">Macromedia</a>.