20 Feet Below

20 Feet Below: The Darkness Descending is a gripping and intense thriller with a star-studded cast including Danny Trejo, John Hennigan, Louis Mandylor, Kristoff St. John, Kinga Philipps, Frank Krueger, Tiffany Adams, Michael Rene Walton, Darren Darnborough, and Chase Austin. The film takes viewers on an eerie journey through New York City's underbelly towards a shocking climax that captivates and horrifies in equal measure.

Under the bustling activity and neon lights of New York City, there is an entirely different world lurking beneath its surface. The movie circumnavigates around the intricate and unconventional life deep beneath the city's streets. This mysterious underworld exists 20 feet below the city's ground level, a dark and forgotten place where societal rules no longer have any substance.

The plot centers around a documentary filmmaker, Chelsea, played by Kinga Philipps. Driven by an insatiable curiosity about the forbidden and often misunderstood urban environment, she decides to explore and document the astonishing life in the city's subway tunnels. Chelsea wishes to publicize the tales of forgotten souls and social outcasts surviving in this limbo place, steering clear of the city's above-ground realities.

However, the plot thickens as she ventures deep into the dark, shadowy recesses of the subway system. She stumbles upon a sinister society, led by a malevolent leader called 'Angel', a compelling character played by Danny Trejo. Angel, with a past steeped in enigma and violence, rules this labyrinthine home of pariahs with an iron fist. His charismatic charm and seemingly altruistic motivations to protect his people belie the dangerous intentions lurking beneath.

As Chelsea delves into this subterranean world's mysteries, she encounters paranoia, fear, and staggering revelation. She crosses paths with James, an above-ground city dwellers, portrayed by actor Michael Rene Walton. As the plot unfolds, the audience is introduced to other intricately crafted characters, filtered in through the film’s narrative. Each one adding depth and unique perspectives to this twisted survival tale.

The eponymous character, Angel, magnetizes with his electrifying performance and barbarous charisma. His complex demeanor shocks and intrigues, as viewers grapple with his dark past. Living underneath the city, he has established something of a kingdom, attracting citizens who feel disenfranchised or are tired of competing with the hustle and bustle of city life above ground.

Frank Krueger impresses the audience with his portrayal of Top Hat, Angel's loyal sidekick. John Hennigan essays the role of the rough, assertive, Rourke. Rourke's character brings an interesting dynamic and contrast to the plot, embodying the aggressive spirit of survival that complements his underground existence.

The cast delivers a performance that keeps audiences rooted to their seats. The commitment of the actors to their roles can be seen in the depth of their performances and the apparent complexity of their characters. One of the movie's greatest strengths is its ability to generate a sense of sympathy and understanding for this "subterranean society," regardless of their unconventional lifestyles.

Noteworthy are the role of Tiffany Adams, who gives a captivating performance as Debbie, Chelsea's sceptical production associate, Darren Darnborough as the elusive Maze, who is Angel's silent but deadly acolyte, and Chase Austin, who brings life to the tragic character of Jake, a teenager trapped in the tunnels.

Especially memorable are the performances of Kristoff St. John, who expertly plays the station cop down on his luck, and Louis Mandylor, as one of the victims of Angel's underground society. Both are trapped in their own ways, like pawns in a game of chess taking place 20 Feet Below the surface.

The film 20 Feet Below: The Darkness Descending uniquely explores what happens when people rejected by society find a way to create their own world away from prying eyes yet right under the hustle and bustle of the city. This hair-raising suspense thriller will leave audiences in anticipation of what is lurking in the darkness of the underground tunnels beneath the city's streets. With its riveting narrative and suspenseful atmosphere, it's a journey worth taking into the unexplored world beneath our feet.