The Tunnel (2011)

The Tunnel (2011)
Directed by: Carlo Ledesma
Written by: Enzo Tedeschi, Julian Harvey
Starring: Andy Rodereda, Bela Delia, Steve Davis

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a_2fKmjekk[/youtube]

The Tunnel (2011)

(15) Running Time: 94 minutes

Reviewed by: Matt Wavish, official HCF critic

Australia’s The Tunnel was released, I believe, as the first legally downloadable movie through torrenting, with downloaders being asked to give a donation for the film. I can’t imagine many people saying no to the chance of a free film, however I worry the thought of a film being available for free would make it seem that the film is a bit rubbish. The idea hadn’t got my hopes up that’s for sure, so maybe a clever way of releasing the film has turned in to a destructive marketing idea which could scare people off. Thankfully, word of mouth would seem the best way now for this film to work, and word of mouth has been strong. The Tunnel, believe it or not, is actually quite good and most certainly worth your efforts to download it.

The story focuses on obsessive reporter Natasha (Bela Delia) who wants to make a name for herself and hopefully get noticed. To do this she decides to investigate some Government issues which involves something to do with underground tunnels and local water supply. Believing there is a conspiracy, Natasha gets a teal together to head down to the tunnels and find out what is going on and just why homeless people have been disappearing. Her TV crew includes Peter (Andy Rodereda), Steve (Steve Davis) and Tangles (Luke Arnold). To begin with they do some investigating which leads to the conclusion that the tunnels are off limits as responses are hostile to say the least. A video found of some teenagers in the tunnels messing around and then coming under attack by something unknown gets the investigators both excited and a little nervous and the footage itself it a little unsettling. Move on and we have an interview with a homeless guy about what goes on down there, and when asked what happened to his friends he responds in a panic. Granted the acting on offer from the homeless guy is a bit ropey, but the main cast give thoughtful and engaging performances thoughout and they are believable and compassionate.

Ignoring the warnings the crew head down the tunnels to get their scoop: taking down night vision and sound recording equipment. After the build up and gentle way of getting to know the characters which, thankfully, does not out stay its welcome we now get to the scares of the film and they are handled very well indeed. No new ground is broken here, and there are echoes of the Blair Witch Project (one scene involving Natasha being shouted at for STILL wanting to film is almost a complete copy from Blair Witch) (Rec) and even The Descent going on, so The Tunnel has copied, but copied from the best. It is eerie down here, dark and night vision really helps add tension and fear to proceedings. The actors still keep up the good performances, and when Tangles is dragged off by an unseen force, the fear REALY sets in. Using their sound equipment, some of the crew are picking up strange noises, and as panic hits, the prospect of actually being lost makes the film even more frightening.

The film leads to a creepy, chilling and satisfying climax which will probably stick with you for days after, and it is testament to how the film has been directed and crafted that it manages to hit the spot so well. Bad things have happened down these tunnels, and the level of intensity is, at times, almost unbearable and it becomes very claustrophobic. The Tunnel is a well made nerve jangler, there is nothing new here, but if the formula works, why change it. Those who love a well crafted, atmosphereric and at times, quite unsettling horror will love this.

Rating:

[pt-filmtitle]The Tunnel[/pt-filmtitle]