Movie Review: The Descent

You may have read somewhere in the hype that The Descent is the scariest movie since Alien. Believe everything you have read! The Descent is a genuine on-the-edge-of-your seat horror/thriller that left me totally exhausted by the end of the movie. A year after a horrible tragedy that led to their separating, a group of six women decide to get back together and go caving in the Appalachian mountains to re-bond and heal emotionally. The only problem is the cave they are exploring collapses and the only way forward is down - hoping they will find another exit to the surface. As they journey further into the darkness, they realise they are not alone! I'm not going to reveal anymore of the story than this because it will spoil the experience of watching a movie that leaves the mindless gore-fests coming out of Hollywood in the shade. The Descent is brilliantly plotted, superbly photographed, and Neil Marshall, the director, has conveyed the intense claustrophobia of a cave as the situation of the women gets more and more dangerous. Not only is there intense suspense, but the plot includes some heart-rending moral decisions and surprising twists, especially at the end (enough said!). So if you want a really genuine suspense/horror/thriller experience, don't miss The Descent. It will have you so breathless you'll feel like you are in a cave yourself! My Rating: ****1/2 (out of 5) Positive Review 'It's the most intense, unpredictable and thrilling cinematic experience I've had the pleasure to squirm through in ages.' - Sean Axemaker/Seattle Post-Intelligencer Negative Review 'Compulsively watchable, with its fair share of effective sledgehammer shocks; it just isn't very good.' - Scott Foundas/LA Weekly Content Advice strong violence/gore and language AUS: MA USA: R