Review of Descent (2005) by Jenna P — 04 Jan 2016

Holy hell, that was an intense two hours. I wasn't going to have a drink, but here I am two cocktails later. A group of women (one might say frenemies) heads out on a caving adventure that quickly descends into a nightmare. Yes, cocktails are the ambrosia of puns. Also, for the record, spelunking would never have been my holiday of choice, even pre-DESCENT.

If you're looking for a high stakes, unrelenting roller coaster, then look no further. Neil Marshall masterfully sets the pace early and pretty much keeps it up for the whole movie. I have a few qualms, which I'll discuss, but overall, I will say this movie scared me like I haven't been scared in a few years. I think the last time was Ti West's THE INNKEEPERS. Just watch it.

Now for the cons. Like our recent BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, there was a lot of infighting happening here. Also, a few too many NO, DON'T DO THAT's for my taste. I think with a little script finessing most of those could have been more logical or at least practical. The action scenes are too choppy with a lot of, Who? and What? I blame Paul Greengrass, but I will say that Marshall directed my absolute favorite episode of GAME OF THRONES. Everyone was talking about some other one shot that season from TRUE DETECTIVE, but you guys know that the Watchers on the Wall battle was a one-r and it ruled, right?

Lastly, the final few minutes feel like a bit of a cop out. It was such a wild ride that I was super bummed the last few shots went in the wrong direction. I'm trying not to spoil it, and, frankly, my boyfriend had to point out the larger meaning. I was still pouring whiskey to console myself.