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movie review - The Descent

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

This is a story about a group of spelunkers who enter a cave system where they are beset by some kind of subterranean race. There are some good scenes such as when they discover some old climbing gear still fixed to the wall from many years prior. It's a fairly silly idea but well-executed with some very good ideas such as flickering torches and limited visibility that really drive home the claustrophobic situation. An unusual element is the all-female cast comprised of some real badasses. The setting is well-developed: they discover ancient cave art, there's plenty of water coursing through the caves, and there are hazards like narrow confines and treacherous piles of broken rock. The CHUDs are introduced slowly, building concern into terror. The pace, tone, and camera work are all solid.

And the ending; man.

Recommended.