The Descent (2005)

If you're looking for a monster horror that takes place in a claustrophobia-inducing cave system, then The Descent is the right film for you! As six friends reconnect on what should be a “run of the mill” caving expedition, they find that they aren’t alone in what they thought was an unexplored area.

This “groundbreaking” survival of the fittest, horror adventure rarely has a dull moment. There are plenty of jumpscares sprinkled throughout - some effective while others are a bit cheesy and predictable. This movie makes caving scarier than it already is (I’m looking at you, Nutty Putty Cave) while maintaining tension throughout. Though not necessarily gore-heavy for the more extreme horror fans the brightly colored and vibrant bloodshed that we do see contrasts against the bleak, early 2000s coloring of the film. Despite having a low budget and being almost completely underground, the production crew does a fantastic job of not leaving viewers in the dark. While not the most visually stunning film, The Descent has its standout moments that make this movie worth the watch. 

The all-female cast does a terrific job of heightening both the tension and fear in a nightmarish situation. Each characters’ unique personality shines through and is highlighted in the decisions they make. Both the comradery and contempt between the characters adds fuel to the fire of the film that brings realism to a (hopefully) unrealistic plot. The mixture of rash and thought out actions keep you on your toes when our gal-pals are put on the spot.

Overall, The Descent is a must see that I have rewatched multiple times and recommended to others. Tense, heart-pounding, anxiety-inducing, and full of girl-power, this memorable and unique film shouldn’t be skipped.