Relentless. Once The Descent kicks into gear it is absolutely relentless. I was kept on the edge of my seat for most of the runtime, just wondering what was going to happen next, and I was not disappointed.
But I guess I should back up a little bit. The Descent is the latest entry in the survival sub-genre of horror. It is a beautifully realized excursion into fear. Something that makes even more frightening is that it is not treated as if it is a horror movie; it has a delicious slow burn feel that builds up inside of you, and when it kicks into gear you're pinned to your seat.
The film opens innocently enough. It starts with the introduction of three of our heroines, rafting the rapids of some unnamed river. It turns out that they are thrillseeking adventurers, each taking turns picking the destination. These journeys are not without their share of risk, and this one was no different, leaving the group dynamic forever altered. This change becomes evident when they meet up again a year later for their latest expedition in the Appalachian Mountains.
Our three adventurers meet up with the rest of the group, making six total, at a remote cabin on the mountain. The have a little fun talking about their backgrounds and such. The next morning their journey into darkness begins. Now, in order not to do you a disservice, my plot description will stop here. It is best that you discover this fresh.
The first 15-20 minutes move by rather slowly, and feel longer than they are. They all deal with the character introductions, and some relationship groundwork that is needed later on. Character development is kept minimal, but it is done in a very effective manner, if you pay attention. Granted, some of it is a little subtle for this type of film, but it really pays off in making these people believable, and even making me care about them. Sure, most fall into recognizable cliches, but they all work.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
Sounds a lot better than The Cave, which apparently wasn't so good. I haven't seen this one, but I might. Sounds awesome.
2 - Chris Beaumont
The Cave was awful. This is so much better, a taut thriller and definitely worth seeing on the big screen in a darkened theater.
3 - Philip
This is an awesome movie. Me and my girlfreind went to see it and she was freaked out but she loved it too. Didnt really like the ending though. But this movie keeps you biting your nails and your heart pounding. It's worth going to see it, worth the ticket price. Awesome!!!!!!!
4 - Ty
This is a good movie, but the US ending SUCKS monkey balls.
Go to youtube.com and watch the ORIGINAL ENDING of The Descent.
The only reason the original ending was trimmed off for US was because pathetic US test audiences were confused. But in reality, the US ending left ME confused and thinking that they never finished up the bit with Sara's repeated visions of her daughter and the birthday cake.
The original ending takes care of all of that.
5 - jon
Ice Axes? Caving???
At least it will scare people out of the woods-more solitude for me : )