The Descent (2005) Review

My college buddy Ryan Newton Harris first introduced me to this film. I was given nothing but a DVD (no cover art) and a message saying, “This is one of the scariest things I’ve seen in a while.”

Well, color me intrigued. Over a decade later, The Descent finds itself in my Top 40 All Time Favorite Films (regardless of genre).

Six female friends take a hiking trip into the Appalachian Mountains for a little spelunking, some female bonding and to get Sarah’s (Shauna McDonald) mind off of her troubles. You see, Sarah lost her husband and daughter in a tragic car accident a year before (a shocking sequence which opens the film). Most of the ladies are skilled spelunkers, but the “leader” of the group is go-getter Juno (Natalie Mendoza). Once inside this vast cave system, the ladies must deal with bad directions, unfortunate injuries, cave-ins and oh yes – a violent and blood-thirsty species of underground humanoid creatures called “crawlers”.

The Descent is good at so many things. But it might surprise you what I will call-out as the best of these amazing things.

It’s the set-up and the build-up.

There is certainly an atmosphere of dread as the film begins, and as the characters go deeper into the cave system, there are multiple dangers. But what makes this film stand out, is the complexity of the characters and their mutual histories.

I’ve always marveled at the fact that the film goes almost a full hour before “that” happens (a major jump scare, ruined by the US ad campaign). Which means we’re spending time getting to know these ladies. And so when crisis after crisis erupts later in the film, we’re already 100% on board with their plight. That, my readers – is good writing.

There’s a reveal (which you’ll get amazing clues to – perhaps in subsequent screenings) which has nothing to do with the dangers of the underground, but with character dynamics. It’s quite a whopper and the film truly earns it. I’m nodding my head in appreciation at this moment – just thinking about it.

But without the epic performances from this gifted ensemble of actors to back up the rich script – the film wouldn’t work.

Luckily, McDonald gets to run the gamut in character emotions. She’s down, depressed, frightened, jumpy (exhibiting some serious PTSD symptoms) and then she brings the character full circle to an almost primal and incredibly strong woman. It’s not often you get such an impressive character arc – or a perfect blend of excellent acting paired up with impressive story.

I do have to call out Natalie Mendoza as Juno. I’ve been in love with this character (as well as Mendoza herself) since I first saw the film. What Sarah is in the film’s beginning – Juno is exactly opposite. She’s cocky, assured and strong in every way possible. Mendoza is a beautiful woman to be sure, but it’s the attitude she brings to Juno which will truly impress.

One of the juiciest horror films in recent memory, The Descent throws every possible bit of bodily fluid at our ladies and you’ll go from “ewwww” all the way down to “I think I’m gonna be sick”.

On that note, the make-up effects are absolutely stunning. Gore for days (all of it spot-on) and the creature make-up for the “crawlers” looks like some monster straight out of The X-Files (in a good way, of course).

And kudos to the actors portraying these spry creatures. I can just see the ad placed when looking for actors to fill these roles, “Non-athletic, non-acrobatic and non-contortionists need not apply.” The “crawlers” are some of the most frightening movie monsters of the last 25 years.

The film borrows from Carpenter’s The Thing (in isolation, hopelessness and even in a few music cues) and Aliens (you’ll be reminded of that film’s claustrophobic search for the colonists).

The film has amazing suspense and jump-out-of-your-seat “boo” moments (too many to count). Be prepared to grab the arm of your fellow audience members.

What might surprise you is the emotional depth which the film offers – particularly in the piece’s final moments. I do caution you – if you want a richer and more deeply fulfilling “don’t make me cry” epilogue – watch the UK version of the film. The ending of the US version feels like a “let’s make this more commercial” cop-out.

I’ve met writer/director Neil Marshall on a couple of occasions – and based on my nerd-gasm as I blabbed about how much I loved this film – I’m sure he’ll avoid me in any future social situations.

A sub-par sequel was released four years later – with Marshall executive-producing. I say this with perfect clarity – in the wish to save you some time… avoid at all costs.

The Descent has a strong following and will hopefully stand the test of time. With frightening mood for days (or nights – you can never tell when you’re underground), bold performances and buckets full of blood and guts – the film is an absolute winner.

The Descent is available on DVD/Bluray and on multiple VOD platforms.