THE DESCENT [2005] review

These are the words that stick in my mind after viewing THE DESCENT. I am not into horror movies, but I wanted to see this one. You have to prepare yourself before watching this movie for the workout, for the hardcore punishment you are going to take. You have to be prepared to feel utter despair and hopelessness for the situation the characters find themselves in. Slowly, but well paced, the viewer realizes more and more the predicament the characters are in, and why. The back story is not much, but enough to provide motivation for all involved.

The directing, camerawork, and editing are all top-notch, which is needed when filming in such claustrophobic conditions. The establishing shots for the ride to the cave, note perfect, the establishing shots upon entering the cave, note perfect, the camerawork in the tomb like crevices of the cave, note perfect. When camera gimmicks are used, they are highly effective at portraying what the character is actually seeing. … No nonsensical quick cuts so you don’t know what’s what. Clear, concise editing of all the action.

The story has 6 British women going on a supposedly easy caving expedition in North Carolina in an attempt to cheer up a character who lost her husband and daughter in a freak car accident. Once inside, the particular skills of each woman become life saving, be it the anthropological and medical skills of one character, the rock climbing skills of another, and least of which the steady and confident leadership of the stand out performance by Natalie Mendoza’s character. The camera loves her, even covered in grime, and so do I.

…As they sink deeper, so does the viewer’s fear. Tension is applied for a long time, and released just in time so that you don’t lose your mind yourself. … The last shot of the film will burn into your mind.

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