12 Comments
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Ray Van Horn, Jr.'s avatar

One of my all-time favorites. Claustrophobic imagery and the haunting music score, which explodes with euphoric grief once she gets out. Total masterpiece. Sounds like a perfect time for another watch!

Elizabeth Green's avatar

The Descent is one of the few horror movies that genuinely creeped me out. Great review.

Jon O'Bergh Horror's avatar

I watch far too many horror movies that seem promising but end of being a disappointment. “The Descent” was a gem that surprised me by being so good.

Ethan Johnson's avatar

One of greatest examples of pure flesh-on-flesh visceral horror. I've seen it so many times, and it hasn't stopped being effective!

Unforgotten Books's avatar

One of my faves, I had no idea of the plot coming in (didn't even know a trailer existed at that time). I thought it was going to be survival movie and was 'pleasantly' surprised. Nice work on the review too!

Horror Harwood's avatar

Thanks for the kind feedback! I agree — the transition from adventure/survival horror to monster horror is handled really well. It’s a great film!

Backyard Movie Critic's avatar

It's a great movie. It blew my mind the first time I watched. I was like, "What is this, monsters in a cave, more please!" Thanks for the review. I have to go watch this movie again.

H. H. Duke's avatar

Great write-up, Dai! I watched this for the first time last year. I enjoyed the claustrophobia and the interpersonal issues between the main group of women. I wasn't a huge fan of the cave dwellers as the antagonists in the second half, though. I also preferred the original British ending to the American one.

Hellish Views - Harry Evans's avatar

Dude, awesome piece. You hit on everything that makes this movie so good.

Horror Harwood's avatar

Thank you so much for the kind words! It’s great to know someone is reading — and likes it!

Hellish Views - Harry Evans's avatar

My pleasure!!

S Mooney's avatar

Love this film, it's #35 on my top 100 of the 2st century list (shameless plug: https://smooney1.substack.com/p/my-top-100-movies-of-the-21st-century).

Important question, did you watch the original UK version or the American release? The endings are different and the original is far superior.