Review of Sanctum

This film is way, way better than some of the negative reviews here had led me to believe it would be. I'd heard the 3D was outstanding (even many of the negative reviews had conceded that much), so I went prepared to settle for at least having a good experience in the way of seeing some stereoscopic excellence in action. I certainly wasn't disappointed on that score. What I really hadn't expected however was how strongly I would come to feel for these characters. Not only to feel, but also to care deeply about what would become of them. Credit is therefore due to the excellence of the acting performances by each and every actor/actress for that. Considering the claustrophobic setting (which must by its nature impose a few limits) I found the dialogue to be intelligent and free from any of the more usual usual action-flic clichés. Several times during the film we are asked to question how far the norms of a (relatively benign) outside world still apply once humans find themselves transported into an environment which is so overwhelmingly hostile. At other times the question becomes 'How far can one be justified in involving others' lives in the fulfilment of one's own personal ambitions?' As undoubtedly harrowing as this film is, after I had left the cinema I found it had the effect of helping me to see the (everyday) world from a much better point of view. Some scenes are graphically quite disturbing, but in my opinion they are neither unnecessary nor included in any way gratuitously. I think it's a great pity that this film seems to be having such a short run at cinemas. It is definitely well worth experiencing at least once at the cinema if you get the chance!