The Descent film review

Remember that other horror film with a full female cast, where they all look picture quality throughout, and not a single one of them is portrayed as a dumb fuck making stupid decisions?? Nah me neither, makes a fucking change.

Firstly, I’d like to say I only watched this film because I had just watched The Cave (2005). And after reading many a review of it on here comparing it to this picture, I thought I should I check it out. The comparisons are there yes, but I don’t have the slightest belief that The Cave ripped this film off.

In my opinion, I enjoyed The Cave better. But there’s no question, that this is by far the better overall film. There, comparison over.

Evolved demonic humans, adulatory, beautiful women, and stunning visuals. It had it all.

The fact this film was written/directed by the same creator as Dog Soldiers, should have given me immediate confidence that this would work brilliantly. Because it did. Neil Marshall’s The Descent, is a horror like very few others. It intelligently plays on the viewers primal fears, and instincts for survival.

The picture follows a group of thrill-seeking, adrenaline junkie friends, whom in an attempt to rekindle their flame embark on trip, caving what their believed to be a completely uncharted, uninhabited system.

This, believe it or not, didn’t quite go to plan. Named eloquently, The Descent depicted the group descending deeper into both the Earth, and their own souls.

Marshall creates two brilliant parallels. The stories narrative, and the unveiling of the characters true personalities. After all, when best to test what kind of person you truly are, than being faced with an unknown habitat, unknown advisories, and a pool of congealed blood.

The cinematography, and visuals in this film are nothing shy of a work of art. The use of colour throughout was breathtaking. Each frame, either black, green, or red. Normally you would expect these colours to signify the danger in the upcoming scene, however this wasn’t the case. Right from the moment they were introduced to the creatures, the scenes when the explorers were alone were painted red. And the scenes when their were together in pairs or threes, green. Signifying strength (and safety) in numbers.

What worked perfectly, was this was always the case, right up until it was for when Juno and Sarah were the only two left together (smart right?!?!?).

If you want a good horror film, with an excellent cast, brilliant script, and artistic visuals then watch this film. You won’t regret it.

Now I just need to watch the sequel.

3.5* 7.5/10

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