It Came from Below

It Came from Below from 2021 is an intense science-fiction horror movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This film follows a group of scientists who descend into an underground cave system in search of a lost colleague. However, what they find down there is beyond their wildest nightmares.

The movie stars Megan Purvis as Dr. Sonia Holloway, the lead scientist in charge of the expedition. She's intelligent, resourceful, and determined to find her missing teammate. Tom Taplin plays her assistant, Dr. Brandon Butcher, who's optimistic and eager to explore the unknown. Jake Watkins portrays the tough and pragmatic security officer, Jake Barton, whose primary concern is to keep everyone safe.

The story starts with a team of five scientists descending into the cave system located in a remote area of the UK. Dr. Holloway and Dr. Butcher lead the way, and they're soon joined by Dr. Ryan Ingleton (Georgia Conlan), a geologist, and Dr. Michael Lewis (William Clayton), an expert in cave ecosystems. Together, they navigate through narrow tunnels, slippery slopes, and murky waterfalls, searching for any clues about their missing colleague.

The deeper they go, the more unsettling things become. Strange noises echo through the caves, and the team starts to feel like they're being watched. They stumble upon bizarre rock formations and fossils that don't make sense. Despite the growing unease, Dr. Holloway urges them to push forward, convinced that they're onto something.

But then, they find a cavern that seems to be alive. The rock walls are pulsating, and the ground is covered with a sticky membrane that vibrates. Dr. Lewis analyses the substance and discovers it's a complex organism that's not from this planet. Suddenly, the team's mission shifts from a rescue operation to a desperate survival game.

As they try to make their way back to the surface, the scientists encounter a variety of terrifying creatures. Some resemble massive spiders with tentacles, others are humanoid predators with razor-sharp teeth. Every step they take brings them closer to death, and they soon realise that the underground ecosystem is too vast and too dangerous to comprehend.

The movie's special effects are impressive, creating a realistic and eerie setting. The cave system is dark, humid, and claustrophobic, and the creatures are grotesque and bloodthirsty. The sound design is equally unsettling, with creaking rocks, rushing water, and unearthly screeches that will make you jump.

What sets It Came from Below apart from other B-movies is its characters. Instead of being one-dimensional archetypes, the scientists feel like real people with backgrounds, motivations, and flaws. Dr. Holloway is a driven leader haunted by her past mistakes. Dr. Butcher is a wide-eyed optimist struggling with self-doubt. Jake Barton is a tough guy with a soft heart, hiding a tragic secret. Their dynamic is believable and nuanced, and you root for them even in the direst circumstances.

Overall, It Came from Below is a solid sci-fi horror flick that delivers on its promises. It's not groundbreaking or profound, but it's entertaining and suspenseful. If you're a fan of movies like The Descent, Alien, or The Thing, you'll enjoy this one. It's a thrilling ride that will leave you gasping for air.