The Descent

After a painful loss, Sarah signs on for a caving expedition with old friends in the Appalachian mountains. A sudden rockfall buries them underground, transforming their trip into a survival nightmare. As the team scrambles for a way out, they discover they are not alone, with predatory creatures stalking the tunnels. The darkness tightens around them and the claustrophobia becomes a pressure test for body and will. Supplies run low, radios falter, and the group's fragile dynamics begin to fracture under fear. With danger closing in from every direction, the women must rely on grit and resourcefulness to push forward while navigating a growing rift between loyalty and suspicion. The stakes rise as the cave itself seems to close in.

Released in 2005, The Descent was directed by Neil Marshall and based on an original screenplay, a compact British horror adventure that leans on suspense, practical effects, and a relentless sense of confinement rather than sprawling commercial spectacle for audiences.

With a budget of about 3.5 million, it grossed 57,130,027 worldwide, signaling strong performance for a lean horror film that resonated with audiences across Europe, North America, and beyond globally. Its box office longevity helped cement similar indie horror projects.

The Descent is often cited for its all female ensemble and brutal practical creature design, influencing later survival horror and female led thrillers. Its underground chase sequences have become touchpoints in discussions of monster cinema, and its influence is visible in later works that emphasize dynamics and endurance under pressure.

Critics praised the film for pacing, stark tone, and the performances of Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, and the rest of the cast. Central themes include trust under pressure, leadership ethics, the conflict between loyalty and survival, and the moral costs of fear. Many viewers cite it as a horror experience.