Bachelorette Party Turns Survival Epic

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MOVIE REVIEW
Underground
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Lars Janssen
Writer(s): Lars Janssen, Charlotte Dawn Potter
Cast: James Swanton, Cameron Ashplant, Bodo Friesecke, Andrew T Hislop, Brandon Ashplant, Charlotte Dawn Potter
Where To Watch: now availble on Screambox in the US, and releasing on UK digitial February 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: UNDERGROUND by Lars Janssen isn’t just another horror flick; it’s a deep dive into the abyss of human endurance and terror. Janssen’s diverse skill set is on full display, taking on the role of director, co-writer, cinematographer, editor, and producer, weaving a narrative that flirts with historical context and the raw nerves of fear. However, I’ve often pointed out that wearing too many hats in a production can ultimately be its undoing.

UNDERGROUND starts with a group of friends after a bachelorette party, which should be synonymous with joy and celebration. Yet, this joy is short-lived as the party-goers find themselves in a harrowing fight for survival within an underground bunker. This setting transforms a joyous event into a chilling battle for survival.

The casting is one of the film’s best parts, and it’s undoing simultaneously. It feels like a film of two different sets of characters; at times, they fit perfectly, then moments later, I almost couldn’t take them anymore. It was a genuinely odd experience. Some deeper editing helped the experience. Without spoiling anything, I’ll say that the film is a slow burn; at an hour and 40 minutes, it stretches the journeys out by at least 20 minutes too much; there is a lot of nothing that makes the film feel longer than it should.

The sound and music in UNDERGROUND, crafted by Harvey Page and Herman Witkam, play pivotal roles in enhancing the film’s atmosphere. The score and sound effects are not just auditory elements but integral to the storytelling, amplifying the sense of claustrophobia and fear. Along with the fantastic cinematography by Janssen, you felt as though you were trapped in this underground maze with them.

The narrative sometimes succumbs to the clichés of found footage horror, making some sequences feel overly familiar and drawn out. It feels as though the found footage genre may have played itself out to the max. The film could have benefitted from a more profound exploration of its characters, giving the audience a stronger emotional connection to their plight. I would admit that I would have been more invested in the characters if I knew more about them as individuals instead of just picking up from where we did. Additionally, integrating more psychological horror elements could have offered a fresh twist to the story.

Despite these drawbacks, UNDERGROUND stands out for its unique blend of found footage horror that doesn’t just rely on the unseen. UNDERGROUND may be worth the watch, especially for the diehard fans of found footage. While it may not redefine the genre, it has its moments and will keep you guessing at times.

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[photo courtesy of SCREAMBOX, RÊVASSER FILMS]

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