What's remarkable about this low-budget British horror film is just how much tension and, frankly, sheer terror it's able to eke out of the central situation before we're even given but a glimpse of the carnivorous creatures that dwell in the dark. There's a claustrophobic, and almost panic-inducing, sense of isolation and entrapment that expertly escalates from the central cave-in in 'The Descent (2005)'. It's also thanks to the subtle yet consistent character development that we care for each and every person trapped in the caverns below and are on the edge-of-our-seats as their lives are almost constantly threatened. What's also refreshing, and somewhat exciting, is that most of the brutality comes not from the so-called crawlers - whose very existence centres around catching, killing and eating their prey - but rather from the group of women fighting their way through the caves as their battle for survival forces them to lose their innocence almost as quickly as they might lose their sanity. This brutality also makes each encounter unpredictable, with the violence always having tangible consequences. The scares are well crafted and mature too, meaning the whole picture comes together to form a cohesive and taut thrill-ride that relishes its unique horrors and never relents. 8/10

For the most part I enjoyed this movie. The table was set at the beginning with two friends, a probable affair, tragic accident and an opportunity to re-visit/resolve issues while on a cave spelunking adventure with friends. I felt within the first few minutes of the movie that the direction, script and characters were well developed and could lead to a great movie. The tension between the two main characters was great and pretty well acted. The cave scenes were also excellent for generating a wonderful sense of isolation and foreboding. The problem I had with the film was that it was really two movies in one with the director unable to decide which way to go. The conflict could have played out well in so many different ways without so many other characters involved. I also felt the crawlers were overplayed and maybe even unnecessary except for creating ambiguity surrounding Sarah's actions at the end toward Juno. Was it revenge, or an act of survival?As it is I suppose it's a (decent) horror flick because of the creatures and blood, but it could have been an amazing adventure/thriller without.

The entire tone of this film is completely off!It begins as a very promising and enticing horror movie. I was becoming excited and invested in the premise and characters (how silly of me). However, if you're anything like me, you will despise this movie by the ending.First off, Juno is wrongfully blamed for the "murder" of one of the other members of their party, that being Beth. This accusation is complete and utter bull****! Sure Juno kills Beth, however Beth should NOT have come up behind Juno so abruptly, as Juno was obviously in the midst of defending herself against the crawlers. And Beth KNOWS its was an accident, yet she plays it off as if Juno did this on purpose later on when Sarah finds Beth dying.And so it's after this point that the entire film demonizes Juno because she slept with Sarah's husband. Surely Juno is in the wrong here yes, however Sarah proves herself to be a completely irredeemable piece of garbage, as she not only uses Juno to fight off the crawlers at the end, but she quite literally stabs Juno in the back (or leg rather) and leaves Juno for dead! NOT a proportionate response. Oh, and Juno refuses to leave without Sarah, a sentiment which Sarah obviously does not reciprocate.The film ends as if to make Sarah out to be the good guy, but this entire tone is off, as Sarah is clearly in the wrong here. She doesn't even give Juno a point to speak her case. An absolutely frustrating and disappointing flick.

We're all afraid of what lives deep in the oceans, we're all afraid of what may live out in space, but you really have to respect this film in exploiting the fears of what may live deep in the earths crust. The movie is really scientifically accurate (if you're not a nerd like me though, that probably doesn't matter). I love the design of the monsters, they're like some kind of bat-human hybrid. The movie has plenty of suspense, infuriating moments and character situations, and monster creature screen time, which is what people like me want the most. Definitely recommend!