Depraved came out in 2011 and was directed by Andy Fetscher (Old People, 2022 Binny and the Ghost, 2014). The story revolves around Lucia (Nathalie Kelley) and her boyfriend Denis (Nick Eversman), who are on vacation in Germany. He has set up for them to go on a private tour that is a secret adventure. They are joined by another pair of travelers, Marie (Catherine De Lena) and Juna (Brenda Koo). The tour guide Kris (Max Reimelt), shows up and tells them he is taking them on a tour of the tunnels under the city of Berlin. Kris explains that they will only pay him once the tour is over; if they don't like it, they don't pay.
The Nazis supposedly used the tunnels for experiments and a safehold during the war. Once in the tunnels, the group is attacked by a pair of men with a dog. The group is able to resolve the situation and continue their tour. They break into a section of the tunnels that had been blocked off. On their way out of the tunnels, Kris suffers an accident after falling deeper into the tunnels. With Kris unable to walk, the group has to separate, with Marie and Juna going ahead to look for help and the couple, Lucia and Denis, staying behind with Kris. While waiting for help, the couple is approached by a man (Armin, played by Klaus Stiglmeier) who says he lives in the tunnels and can take them to call for help. This encounter sets off a terrifying chain of events that I was not expecting. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, it got worse.
I will say that the story does seem a bit disconnected. It feels like two movies, pre-accident and post-accident. The audience is able to connect more with Lucia and Denis compared to the other characters. Lucia and Denis are likable characters, and it is easy to root for them once everything intensifies.
The cinematography in this adds to the unsettling feeling and haunting atmosphere. Watching Lucia and Denis run around the tunnels trying to stay alive, had me on the edge of my seat. I also loved the use of language in this film. Lucia does not speak German, so when Denis and the tunnel man are talking, there are no subtitles. This adds to the tension of not knowing what is happening. This is also a significant downfall for Lucia later in the film when she manages to get back above ground but cannot convince anyone to help her.
Overall the cast is solid, and the story is interesting. The unsettling environment that was created kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the film. I ended the movie with questions about the plot, but I wasn't so invested that it stayed in my head long after it was over. It's a middle-of-road horror film with some shocking moments and solid tension but a clunky storyline. If you want a spooky secret tunnel film, this one would be a decent watch.
5 out of 10 Screams
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