It's difficult to understand the passion for spelunking -- strangely, a word never uttered in this film. Monochromatic gray walls in a pitch black, artificially lit environment (if the lights go out you're dead). Huge caverns to cramped wormholes that may dead end (literally). A lifeless underground environment where the discovery of bat guano causes excitement. The only thing going for it is that the explorers may be the first humans to see a particular hole in the ground-- as if anyone without this particular passion cared. Nonetheless, the cinematographer does a great job of keeping the actual cave and cave sets interesting to view. Also, the 3D photography techniques developed for 'Avatar' (2009) add depth and clarity.
In 'Sanctum,' an intrepid team of cave explorers investigate one of the deepest and most extensive network of caves in New Guinea to see where the water that flows into the cave leaks out into the nearby ocean. Well, I figure it's going to be some cavular tube that looks like all the other tubes in the vicinity, but a man (and a few women) has got to do what a man has got to do. The team encounters serious trouble when a torrential storm hits the area earlier than expected and everyone must evacuate the cave before it floods. A series of mishaps causes several members of the team to be trapped below ground forcing then to find another way out. Thus, the life and death struggle to survive ensues. Scientist and expert caver Frank (Richard Roxbrugh) must combat, while trying to save, financial backer and adventurer Carl (Ioan Gruffudd), as well as Frank's truculent son Josh (Rhys Wakefield) and the rest of the hapless group. The thrust of the film hinges on terrifying, dangerous situations that try Frank's ability to deliver his charges to safety. Those who like to watch people get bashed against rock walls, drowned, mutilated and be subjected to various other torments, will particularly enjoy 'Sanctum.' Those who enjoy fit male bodies in sleeveless wetsuits should also get a charge out of the film. Of particular interest would be Rhys Wakefield's biceps.
This story is based on the actual experiences of Andrew Wight who wrote the story and play, and co-wrote the screenplay. Wight led a party of 15 spelunkers in an Australian cave which partially collapsed. Fortunately, not as emotionally charged or devastating, they all got out of the cave two days later. The action in 'Sanctum' is fast, thrilling and highly charged. Unfortunately, the dialogue is simplistic and cliched, causing many in the audience I sat with to chuckle, especially at the most dramatic moments. Claustrophes and nyctophobes be warned.
Sanctum
Director: Alister Grierson
Executive Producer: James Cameron
Writers: John Garvin, Andrew Wight
Cast: Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakefield, Ioan Gruffudd, Alice Parkinson, Dan Wyllie
Time: 109 min.
Rated: R
Opening at the AMC Lowes Metreon in San Francisco on February 4
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