The Reel Review
A group of coal miners in 1956 France are asked to guide a professor of paleontology into a condemned part of their mine. Once there, they discover an ancient crypt and release a soul-devouring, bloodthirsty monster that pre-dates human history. Amir El Kacem and Samuel Le Bihan star in this French adventure/horror.
There is a lot to appreciate about this more methodical creature feature from writer/director Mathieu Turi (Meander). The backstory, albeit admittedly slow to get to the action, is surprisingly fleshed out and interesting. The mine’s visuals, reminiscent of the 2005 spelunking horror The Descent, are effectively claustrophobic. The old school practical effects are gruesome, and at first glance, the Lovecraftian-inspired creature looks pretty terrifying.
The problem is a lackluster third act, which gets too bogged down in the lore of an increasingly hokey-looking creature and features a lot of pointless running and screaming from the rapidly dwindling number of miners. An otherwise cool concept and solid execution is hindered by a weak and predictably dull ending.
REEL FACTS
• The Deep Dark is also known as Gueules Noires in French.
• The Deep Dark was filmed in Northern France and Morocco.
• Filmed on an estimated $3 million budget, The Deep Dark grossed just over $500,000 at the box office.
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