Neil Marshall's "The Descent" is the most exhilarating and exciting psychological horror-thriller I've seen in years. I call it a "psychological horror-thriller" because I don't know quite how to fit it into a genre. It belongs somewhere between "Deliverance," "Alien" and "Jaws" -- the story of six women for whom a cave-diving expedition becomes a descent into the abyss. This poster expresses the sensibility of the movie brilliantly (click "Continue reading" for a look at the classic Surrealist image that inspired it).
I've seen ads that promote "The Descent" as being "from the studio that brought you 'Saw' and 'Hostel'" -- but what makes it so powerful is that it's not another piece of literal-minded torture porn. It's a smart movie designed for people who love movies, and it's full of clever and effective, ingeniously integrated references to other memorable thrillers, concentrating on classics from the 1970s (like the titles mentioned above). "The Descent" is an adrenaline work-out for anybody, but especially thrilling for movie buffs.
WARNING: Do not look up this movie on IMDb or other movie sites. Some have spoilers right there on the main page!
I love this image, and how it evokes sex and death. I've had a postcard of it on my fridge since the 1980s!
I couldn't be more psyched for this thing. As a lover of horror/thriller films past and present, the release of this movie will be a big day for me. But I have heard rumors that an "Americanized" (read: compromised) ending has been attached to this cut. Any truth to this rumor?
JE: Yes, the US release stops one brief scene short of the original British version. More about that once the movie opens...
Jim,
Very well said, as usual, and major thanks for posting that image. As for the movie, I look forward to seeing your final review. While writing mine, I was worried at first that I was overdoing it on the hyperbole, but then I realized, nah, it just really is that good. Mamma Mia, what a movie.
I rarely react well to trailers of any kind-- they're usually overly expository and amped up with editing and sound to the point where every movie being advertised seems exactly the same. But when I saw the preview for The Descent a month or so ago, having never heard about it before, I was completely caught up in it-- my claustrophobia kicked in big-time-- and by the end of the trailer I couldn't wait to see the film. So imagine my delight when I saw your comments and suddenly had a good, solid reason-- beyond adept marketing-- for hoping this one would be something special. Thanks, Jim, for giving me a spark to get me through what looks to be a long week! I really enjoyed your brief account of your reaction, and especially that Dali photo. I assume your review will be available on Friday-- I'm looking forward to reading that almost as much as seeing the movie itself!
JE: I think you're gonna like it, Dennis -- given what I know about your movie tastes and values. And, besides, you'll probably get all the movie references, too!
Is there a better scare this year, or the past few years, than the camcorder scene (which they ruin in the trailer!!)? Regardless, I am telling everyone I know about this movie, because it is exactly what the horror genre needs right now. I am oh so very pleased that you enjoyed this movie.
The downside of a fantastic movie like this: you realize how much you crave the intense, visceral thrill of a truly great horror movie, and how rare it is to actually encounter one.