Review of Descent (2005) by Dan C — 20 May 2013
Brutally effective horror that doesn't insult your intelligence. The Descent pulls no punches, nor does it skimp on the violence, though (fortunately) it's more creature gore than graphic human splatter.
More disgusting is what's suggested, and the measured looks the viewer gets of the subterranean cannibals are horrifying enough lead the mind down the more grotesque avenues of the imagination. Only horror conventions are satisfied artfully; the movie elicits the reaction it was designed to.
My only complaint is a particular decision the main character makes near the end, which, to me, seemed groundless and hasty, given the preceding events. The human drama could have been developed with more sophistication, so that there is a real emotional payoff or a moment of moral confusion.
Instead it just seems out of character. Still, Halloween and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre required no back story or human drama: they were, like the Descent, chilling, suspenseful, and cathartic, without the corniness and stupidity of many a more mundane slasher or splatter flick.
This review of Descent (2005) was written by Dan C on 20 May 2013.
Descent has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
