The Descent: Part 2 (2009)

Made off the back of the success of the first film, Jon Harris (editor from the first movie) takes the helm in his first directorial feature. This film follows directly from the previous film with Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) being the only known survivor from the last cave expedition. Unfortunately she comes out with a little memory loss as to what has happened to her and her friends. The local sheriff doesn't show any compassion and takes her down back into the caves with a rescue team to look for her friends.

There isn't anything wrong with this film but there isn't anything to elevate it to stop you feeling that it's just a quick cash in from the previous film moderate success. The film follows suit with Neil Marshalls original and maintains it's very dimly lit scenes (It can feel a bit claustrophobic and tight in some scenes so people with an aversion of the dark and feeling trapped should probably steer clear) with lighting used to a minimal and only lit up via torches or helmet lights. Instead of it being a caving exploration with friends, its now a rescue mission to find the fate of the others that didn't make it out.

Unfortunately the film does fall flat from obvious set pieces with both dialogue and characters. Are we suppose to care about the rescue team....probably not. Is it a bit too convenient for Sarah to come out with amnesia just to get her back into the caves? Yes, I believe so. The story all feels a bit rushed. It's like "How can we get them back into the caves as quick as possible". There's a distinct lack of character development.

Some of the efforts to flesh out the characters are done not so subtlety but I believe the film makers are trying to connect itself to the last outing (Deputy Rios is shown on the phone speaking to her child giving the viewer the only other character to give a damn about besides Sarah). 


All in all it is a very by the numbers sequel. Nothing new or original to speak of. Some of the techniques used from the last film reappear. Camera focuses on foreground with sudden movement in background, camcorder night vision used for clearer view....it is all done effectively but its just feels like a bit of a re-hash. But then again, what was I expecting. There is buckets of gore and blood but without any of the emotional connection we had for the previous films' character (they do all appear though, admittedly in the form of found footage from their discarded camcorder)


It is a competent film with none of the first films general feeling of suspense or danger. Godfather II this isn't. But for all those suffering from claustrophobia and/or nyctophobia  looking for a scare, this film may do the trick. Otherwise I'd save your money and watch the original.


11/20