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.

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.

This chatty French horror film has similarities with 2014's 'Up Above, So Below'. I found that film's success surprising for such a lacklustre production, so my enthusiasm for 'Bunker 717' (sometimes known as 'Deep Fear') was muted. The results here are pretty good.

Three students decide to celebrate their graduation by exploring the catacombs underneath Paris. They appear to be followed down there by a couple of skinhead ne'er do wells.

Things start off slowly and it's a pity some of the time wasn't spent allowing us to get to know the characters better; they are all fairly likeable, but sketchy. The main antagonist, who is impressive but used very sparingly, would also have benefited from some semblance of a backstory.

This is low-key, but mainly fun. The claustrophobic setting is well conveyed and there's a real sense of 'things lurking in the shadows'. This, and a convincing level of gore, coupled with an effective ending, makes for a fairly effective 80 minutes. My score is 6 out of 10.

This is not a horror movies. Consider thriller movies. Average acting. Average storyline. Good idea but suspense atmospheres not there. However still manage to follow until the end. Not a worst movie but the potential is there.