Deep Fear

It had the right atmosphere, dark, chilling foreboding Catacombs of Paris, it had the mysterious baddie (unfortunately, the trailer gives this away), the acting isn't bad, and yet, it misses the mark. The main actors are just carbon cutouts of every other "victim" list in horror we've seen elsewhere. In the short time we DO get to know them, they're not all that likeable. Once it reaches the final climax it seems it rushes to the finish line and then...end credits! Not a TERRIBLE film, but I strongly recommend watching the similarly themed "As Above, So Below" for a better overall Catacombs horror film!

A cold open, followed by exposition showing the relationships between chief characters, and the suggestion of wholly repugnant, distinctly antagonistic characters. Generally unimportant dialogue and character background, exploration of a labyrinthine locale that's officially closed to the public, and the promise of something sinister just around the corner. Writing, acting, and direction that's perfectly suitable for the horror genre, if overall common and/or unremarkable; original music that is a primary contributor to the atmosphere that the picture can claim; unbothered pacing, resulting in a film of about eighty minutes in length that's not altogether uneventful in almost the full first five-eighths, but not especially striking or compelling, either.

'Deep fear' is well made such as it is, with excellent filming locations and production design, admirable lighting and cinematography, and otherwise solid craftsmanship. The costume design, hair, and makeup are splendid. Filmmaker Grégory Beghin illustrates strong capability in orchestrating shots and scenes, and though Nicolas Tackian's screenplay might not be anything super noteworthy, I do earnestly enjoy the story that he wrote. Though the heaviest horror content doesn't begin to show up until a full hour has passed, the blood, gore and other effects that we do see look fantastic (provided that, as we've observed elsewhere, the camera doesn't totally linger on it). I actually do like the cast; the performances are nothing special, perhaps, but Victor Meutelet, Joseph Olivennes, Kassim Meesters, Léone François-Janssens, and especially Sofia Lesaffre, among others, all ably bring the story to live with the turbulent, heightened emotions of their characters.

I have no major critiques of this movie. I guess the thing is, I have no major praise to offer, either. If it's a horror flick that you want, it's a horror flick that you'll get. There's some atmosphere, some visceral nastiness, and maybe even some thrills to be had. 'Deep fear' is broadly enjoyable and well done, and all that it needed to be; I'll even go so far as to say that it's better than I expected, for what it's worth. Is it anything that you need to go out of your way to see? No. Will it satisfy basic cravings for the genre? Yes, I think it will. It's dark, grisly fun that doesn't reinvent anything, but very ably serves its purpose, and that's enough in my book to earn a fair recommendation.

This is your run of the mill horror movie about people poking around in places they really shouldn't be going in. That said, it does have some things working for it:

• Decent cinematography - There are some well shot scenes in the catacombs and sewers that give a very claustrophobic vibe and dark foreboding atmosphere
• Good Gore - There isn't much in the way of this for the first half of the movie, but when it shows up there is plenty of it and done in a way that is believable
• Competent Acting - All of the actors knew what they were doing and conveyed the correct kind of emotions when they needed to

On the other hand, it has some stuff that undercuts it:

• Awkward Music - There are a few times throughout the film where inappropriate music suddenly comes in that really takes you out of the movie and scratch your head wondering what kind of effect they were going for here
• Weak CGI - for the most part the things using it are kept hidden or use POV which negates this, but for example a scene of someone getting blown up uses some clearly CGI'd effects. Not close to the worst I've seen, but far from the best
• Lack of Explanation - I suppose this is more of a personal opinion, but there is never a reason why or how the bad guy survived in a place like this which can be a bit irritating
• Lack of Subtitles - This applies only to the (not-French) dialogue which is never given a translation but only comes up in the very end of the movie. It isn't needed, but it can be irritating to try and figure out what the person is saying when it might illuminate their backstory somewhat
• Generic Ending - I won't go into too much detail, but yeah, this goes the route of so many other horror films, and doesn't even explain how it happened which seems like a cop-out.

Overall though, definitely worth a watch for any horror movie fan.

French horror movies, there aren't many of those so when I come across one I like to give it a chance. This one, although mild horror, isn't bad at all. I had fun watching Deep Fear even if the story seemed a bit far fetched but then again that's mostly the case with movies in this genre. The catacombs are real but what they stumbled on here was very unlikely so to say. The acting from all unknown actors to me was more than decent. They all delivered and played their role well. Maybe the story could have used a bit more bloody scenes, just to make it better, but overall the movie is worth watching.

Almost scary Almost had a good story Almost had a good ending

The actors were really really good. That's the only reason I finished it.

The story has been done better, and in the same catacombs.

The ending is dumb.

Do not recommend.

The first act is ok, sets up the story. Second act was properly claustrophobic. Third act it lost all steam and got silly.

A lot of the reviews here are spoiling the surprise in The moviE with just the title.

Instead watch the 2014 As Above So Below. That's really well made and a much more engrossing tale with an epic ending. Seems todays movies have forgotten story telling.