Sanctum

Won’t Help You Find Inner Peace!

When Frank (Richard Roxburgh) and his son Josh (Rhys Wakefield) planned a cave expedition into one of the most dangerous and inaccessible cave systems on earth, they were expecting beautiful clear water spots, National Geographic-worthy stalactites and a whole lot of fun with their fellow spelunketeers. But expectations can be a dangerous thing. During their journey through the cave labyrinth, the ever-unpredictable Mother Nature sends a huge tropical storm and the only escape route from the cave is flooded. The crew must find a way out and soon, before panic and the raging water gets the best of them.

I’ve been spelunking (aka: caving) once in my life and it was the most terrifying thing that I’ve ever done. Is it the sensation that the walls are *eh-hem* caving in on you or the fear of not knowing when you are going to see sunlight again? Both are horrifying and when I was watching >Sanctum I felt like I was down there in those dark tunnels with them! I found myself having troubles breathing when they were trying to fit through impossibly tight spots. And when Josh and Frank felt panicked and destined to be trapped in the cave forever, I empathized with them. I can’t say the acting was anything that would be worthy of any awards but the storyline and special effects will keep you watching and wanting to know who survives this treacherous journey in the unknown insanity of caves.

Motherly Advice: I had my filters set on medium and I was spared several “f” words and lots of other colorful expletives. I also didn’t have to endure any sex scenes or even immodest clothing but if you are up for the ride Sanctum gives you, just be ready for a lot of creepy, panicky, tense moments. And one scene where one of the less experienced cavers gets her hair stuck on the ropes and you see the skin pulling from her scalp. It’s very disturbing to say the least! I would recommend this film for ages 16 and up.

Trisha - I definitely won’t be joining any cave clubs in the near future!

Rated R for language, some violence and disturbing images; 108 min; Directed by Alister Grierson