Sanctum Review

• 23rd Jun 2011

Sanctum didn’t get a great reputation from the critics when it arrived in cinemas earlier this year. The story is based (very loosely) on true events, tells of a group of cave divers who become trapped after a storm hits and have to swim and climb into the unknown in order to get out.

The film then becomes a “pick them off one at a time” drama/thriller. Sure it isn’t hard to tell where the drama lies (In the father son relationship of our two leads). But it also isn’t hard to tell who is going to end up in a pickle next.

To be honest though the film is very serviceable. It doesn’t resort to monsters stalking them and relies solely on the human performances. Richard Roxburgh leads the way and portrays a very Logic orientated member of the group. His harsh decisions at times are shocking to those who would rather spend time emoting their worries; but he wastes no time in sorting facts in his head and simply moving on. It’s actually a pretty wonderful and strong character who we may not like, but have to appreciate when it comes to a life or death situation.

If there is one major criticism it is some of the effects used. I don’t know how these came across on the 3D screen, but on the small 2D screen they are pitiful. And that is probably the biggest complaint I have without having to think too hard about what else could be wrong. If you fancy a couple of hours in a cave with people in jeopardy without the presence of the supernatural or monsters then you could do a heck of a lot worse.

Sanctum’s rough ride in the press then can only do it favours for those who watch as it didn’t deserve that kind of a bashing.

Steven Hurst