When it comes to horror movies, we’ve seen it all. Whether it be haunted houses, possessions, zombies, vampires – Hollywood has explored them all in a variety of different ways. I think that’s one reason “The Descent” works so well. This is a fresh and original horror movie concept that also has its share on genuine scares. Writer and director Neil Marshall brushes with several unique strokes in crafting a film that bucks many of the genre’s trends while never running away from what makes the genre great. “The Descent” is a fairly simple piece of survival horror but don’t let the straightforward narrative fool you. It’s also a gruesome edge-of-your-seat nail-biter that will remind you of just how entertaining a well conceived horror movie can be.
One of Marshall’s touches that I really liked was his decision to make this a predominantly female story. It couldn’t have played out any better. Its been a year since Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) lost her husband and daughter in a tragic car accident. Five of her adventurous friends plan a caving trip that they hope will help Sarah who is still struggling with her loss. There’s a fun and playful dynamic established between the girls and we get a brief introduction to each of them during their overnight stay in some mountain cabins. Juno (Natalie Mendoza) is the ring leader who organized the entire outing. Early the next morning she leads the girls out to a remote cave entrance and they begin their adventure. As they make their way deeper into the caves, Sarah is nearly killed during a cave-in that blocks their way out. It’s here that Juno reveals that she has taken them to a set of caves not recognized in the guide book and that no one knows where they are. Alone and scared, the group sets out to try to find a way out.
The movie does a fantastic job of making the cave the women’s first big enemy. They’re forced to manuever tiny crawlspaces, deep chasms, and jagged ledges all hidden in the pitch-black darkness. Marshall’s camera puts the audience in the same dark and claustrophobic conditions as the characters. He also masterfully manipulates light and sound to give the caves a greater sense of danger. The women use helmet-mounted lights, flares, and light sticks which offer the only illumination amid the darkness and clouds of dust. He also heavily uses sound to help create a tenser ambiance. There are the cavernous echos, the clanging metal of the climbing gear, crumbling rock, and water drips. This is perfectly realized and intense environment really drew me in.
But the cave isn’t the only enemy. As they are forced deeper underground, they cross paths with a pack of vicious and carnivorous creatures. This is where “The Descent” moves from suspenseful survival to full-blown horror and let me say that it’s mighty effective. It’s basically a “lets see who makes it out alive” story but it’s hard not to be hooked. The intensity really amps up and the scares are authentic. I rarely jump even while watching my favorite horror movies. But “The Descent” got me on several occasions and not with the cheap, conventional tricks that we see so often. The creatures are frightening and when you throw them into the already established dark and creepy environment, you have a wonderful horror mixture.
“The Descent” is a fine horror movie but it isn’t perfect. While I was able to stay interested in the six main characters, I couldn’t help but want a little more character development before diving straight into the caves. The performances are solid and the characters are interesting. But it felt as if there was information left out that would have given the women and their relationships more depth. In fact, there are hints at an underlying tension between Sarah and Juno prior to their adventure (and I’ll leave it at that) but we only get small tastes of that. I would have liked to see more. And then there are some head-scratching questions that the story doesn’t seem to anticipate. One thing we see after the creatures make their appearance are bones, lots and lots of bones. Some are from animals but there are tons of human bones. I couldn’t help but wonder how that hundreds of people could have been killed in that area and it not be noticed? Wouldn’t it be well-known that people were disappearing in that neck of the woods?
While those negatives did stand out to me, they certainly didn’t ruin the movie. “The Descent” was a welcomed change from the traditional horror film formula. It incorporates several familiar techniques that we’ve seen in everything from psychological to slasher horror. But they’re used in a unique and fresh environment and I was hooked from the moment they entered the cave. This isn’t a movie for the faint at heart. Things get pretty gory as we get further into the picture. But for old-school horror fans, it’s a perfect fit and when you toss in some genuine scares and a superb cast you have a nicely packaged modern horror film.
Keith & the Movies 
I really enjoyed this movie–and its originality is a big reason why and the fact that it freaked me out!
One of my biggest problems with horror is that I usually get annoyed with the characters (and start wanting them to get killed :D) and I have to give this film credit…these were some smart ladies and I did not want any of them to die.
That, in itself, gets high rating from me.
Great review!
Thanks again! You really hit on something that is problematic with horror movies. So many of the characters are either exactly the same or should be institutionalized for their stupidity. They often do many of the same things which leaves you scratching your head. It is nice to get some fresh, original, and intelligent characters in a horror movie.
Fine review, I felt really claustrophobic when watching this because of the atmosphere created.
Thanks Vinnie! I agree 100%! The close-quartered claustrophobic feel was very effective for me as well.
Also, if anyone else wants to see another claustrophobic horror movie that’ll knock your socks off check out REC. It’s a foreign film (Barcelona, Spain) so make sure you watch the original version with Spanish audio and English subtitles (and not the horrible English Dubbed version). It’s best appreciated if you know nothing about it. Just take it on blind faith from a fellow horror movie fanatic
Or, if you must, just read spoiler free reviews =)
Great review! This is a prime example of a new age great original horror film. They don’t come around often but when they do it’s always amazing.
You’re exactly right! I’d give anything if we could get more flicks like this. I can’t believe I waited so long to check it out. Thanks bro!
Great review, Keith. I saw this for the first time this month and really loved it. One of the better horror films in recent years, no doubt, and it really nailed that sense of dread and claustrophobia. It’s a shame the sequel isn’t nearly half as good.
I agree 100%! I saw it this month also. Really, really pleasant surprise. I haven’t seen the sequel but I’ve heard others that share your opinion. Thanks for checking out my review. Appreciate it!
The Descent has always been my go to flick for whenever I need to watch a fast paced, tightly directed, terrifying horror flick that has loads of suspense and great claustrophobic mood. Great review bro! Keep ’em coming!
Appreciate that Vic! As I said elsewhere, I can’t believe it took me so long to catch up with it! You described it well!
Great review Keith. I actually saw this movie a week ago. It caught me off guard on how scary it is. Good horror movies are so hard to come by. What I most especially appreciated about this movie is how primal it is. The characters recognize what they have to do and take a stand against impossible odds. This is survival of the fittest. Hunt or be hunted. I compare this movie to the original Predator. Lost in uncharted territory and dealing with an unknown creature or creatures. The Descent forces its characters to enter a savage kill or be killed mentality ‘descending’ them towards madness.
Thank you very much. I love the word you used “primal”. That’s a perfect description of what things turn out to be in this film. Like you, I just saw this for the first time and I was really surprised by how effective it is. It’s currently on my DVR at home and I’m really anxious to watch it again. Thanks again for checking out the review and sharing your thoughts.
No prob! I’ve been following your blog and your twitter for awhile. I’ve been writing movie reviews too but on IMDB. I plan on transferring them to a blog soon. Check’em out if you’re interested.
http://www.imdb.com/user/ur35678987/comments
Fantastic! I’ll certainly check them out!
I also watched The Descent 2 the following day. I don’t recommend it by any means. I actually knew it wasn’t going to be worth watching after reading reviews on IMDB and rotten tomatoes but it was easily available on Netflix Streaming and my curiosity got the best of me. It ruins the perfect ending of the original. So, yea, don’t bother with the sequel. Store it away with Alien Resurrection, Terminator 3 and 4, and Batman and Robin and act like it doesn’t exist.
I have heard several people that have warned me away from “Descent 2”. So unfortunate. I have definitely back-burnered it. It’s in my Netflix queue and I was anxious to give it a watch but with so many bad reviews, I’m in no hurry.
Also, if anyone else wants to see another claustrophobic horror movie that’ll knock your socks off check out REC. It’s a foreign film (Barcelona, Spain) so make sure you watch the original version with Spanish audio and English subtitles (and not the horrible English Dubbed version). It’s best appreciated if you know nothing about it. Just take it on blind faith from a fellow horror movie fanatic 😉
Oh I just added this one to my Netflix as well! It looks right up my alley. In fact, I may have to watch this one tonight! 😉
Great! It’s perfect given that Halloween is tomorrow. I wish I could watch it for the first time again. Screw it, I might just watch it tonight too! Lol. Enjoy!
This is a great flick. I think it might have even been better if they hadnt gone moster at all and had just stuck with them being trapped in the cave, which was really really scary. LOL.
But as is, its still great. Good stuff.
I agree Fogster! It’s a solid hard picture. As I’ve said to others I can’t believe it took me so long to watch it.
Good review Keith. This movie kicks a whole bunch of ass and really set me into it’s creepy and chilly atmosphere. In my opinion, it’s not as perfect as I would have liked it to have been but still a great horror flick that’s unpredictable the whole way.
Well said! I agree, it’s not perfect but it is loads of horror related fun!
Great review Kieth. I also really enjoyed this film for the most part, and was quite excited about the sequel coming out – then I saw it… 😦
Thanks for checking out the review. Another negative take on the sequel! I’m suddenly not so excited about giving it a watch!
Great review. I should check this one out. Counting your review, I’ve heard some very good things about The Descent.
Really good movie. Not perfect, but much better than a lot of what you get from the genre.
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