The Dark Below

WOW. Was privileged enough to see this unique gem at Fantasia International Film Festival. Along with Turbo Kid this was my favorite film of the entire festival. I have been a fan of Doug Schulze's work since the film Mimesis and was really looking forward to this. The film did not disappoint. It's a surreal dream like story of a woman trying to survive the night being trapped beneath ice. If you're claustrophobic or have a fear of water you might want to avoid. But what's so amazing about the film is that there is no dialogue in the entire feature. You heard me. Just three spoken words right at the beginning. And I didn't even notice it until the lights came up and someone told me. The film is strikingly visual, well acted and non-stop suspense. In a day of tired formulaic movies this is very unique. Rush out to see it.

A woman (Lauren Mae Shafer) struggles for survival beneath a frozen lake while a metrosexual killer (David G. B. Brown) stalks her from the surface and we slowly find out they are not strangers.

The mad genius behind this film is writer-producer-director Douglas Schulze, who has been a rising force in the world of indie horror. But although we tend to associate a film mostly with the director, Jonathan D'Ambrosio really deserves as much credit for "Dark Below", with his serving as co-writer, editor and art / production design. His fingerprints are all over this one.

The film has a slim cast, with the most notable name being Veronica Cartwright. The lead, Lauren Mae Shafer, may be building a reputation among horror fans with her roles in "Mimesis" (also from Douglas Schulze and co-starring Brown) and "Secrets in the Walls". A few others show up in flashbacks, but are really unimportant. Shafer virtually carries the entire film on her shoulders.

The creators make a very bold decision going for the complete lack of dialogue, which makes it almost like watching a symphony rather than a film – this, in turn, makes it very much a showcase for composer David Bateman. The modern silent film, as well as the plot of using a woman's expert swimming abilities against her, are absolutely original. Originality is rare in any genre, but especially in horror. (Can we stop making zombie movies yet?)

If any criticism could be thrown at the film, it would be to ask: did it need to be feature-length? Already very short by feature standards, it could have been a longer short film just as effectively. I suppose for marketing purposes, you would prefer to have the feature. Few theaters, at least outside of festivals, screen short films. (Maybe they should.)

All in all, an original and innovative film. It may not appeal to all audiences, but those who want to see something different and who have a little patience (this is not a bloody slasher film) will be rewarded.

For a film with no words you'd expect the story, direction and acting to pick up the slack. Unfortunately it doesn't, you're left with no feelings towards the characters either good or bad as it leads you to the predictable ending.

There's a frigid game of cat and mouse that takes place, as you're introduced to a woman assaulted by a dangerous man. He's cold, uncaring and very methodical about his process, but it's what you're shown that makes the movie gripping. Without any words, other than three whispered in the very beginning, you are taken through every step that lead up to the attack.

Douglas Schulze took an idea and made it a musical masterpiece. Through images and score, The Dark Below reveals a history of secrets, lies and a precarious obsession with water. You endure a voyeuristic fight for the heroine's life, while also finding yourself struck dumb, yet fascinated!.

There was but one issue held with the movie and it has to do with icy waters. Sadly, details can't be provided without giving away spoilers, and that's not what I do. Just know that what is done cannot be undone, no matter how great the medical science.

The movie is alluring, the story is fabulous and the thrills are very cool! (pun intended) The Dark Below releases later this year. Be sure to see it!

Where to start? This resembles a bad television film more so than an actual feature. Thin plot, weak characterizations, no explanation of the characters motivations and minimal exposition.Toward the end of the film you start to realize what is occurring; however, by that point, you just don't care.

Basically for nearly 90 minutes you watch characters who don't care about do things that don't make much sense. Coupled with the near total lack of logic in the plot, this film is like watching a documentary about a subject for which you have no interest.

Bad film that can easily missed.