It Came from Below (2021) - A Thrilling Descent into Underground Horror
IMDb Rating: 4.4/10

"It Came from Below" (2021) is a horror film directed by Dan Allen that taps into the classic creature-feature genre. The movie follows a group of young adventurers who explore a network of underground caves, only to discover a terrifying and deadly creature lurking in the shadows.

The story centers on Jess (Megan Purvis), who is determined to prove the existence of a subterranean creature that her late father claimed to have encountered. Driven by curiosity and a desire to uncover the truth, Jess and her friends ignore all warnings and venture deep into the dark, treacherous caves. However, they soon realize they are not alone. Trapped and hunted by a monstrous being that thrives in the darkness, the group must fight for survival, navigating the perilous caves while avoiding the relentless creature.

"It Came from Below" combines elements of survival horror with creature terror, creating a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere. The film’s practical effects and moody, dark visuals heighten the sense of dread as the characters struggle to escape their nightmarish situation. Although it is a low-budget indie film, it delivers a chilling experience for fans of underground horror settings and classic monster thrills.

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Thangalaan - A Gripping Historical Drama of Power, Myth, and Resistance

Thangalaan is a historical action drama directed by Pa. Ranjith, starring Chiyaan Vikram in the lead role. Set in the year 1850 CE, the story unfolds in the village of Veppur, North Arcot, where Thangalaan (played by Vikram) resides with his wife, Gangamma, and their children. As the village chief and a respected landowner, Thangalaan is looked up to by the villagers, most of whom are bonded laborers working on the zamindar's land.

Thangalaan often narrates tales to his children, and one night, he recounts the chilling story of Aarathi, a woman from the Nagar tribe believed to be a sorceress and protector of the land. This tale becomes the foundation of the film's plot, as Thangalaan's great-grandfather, Kaadaiyan, was part of a tribe skilled in extracting gold from the Ponnar River. When a king sought Kaadaiyan's expertise to retrieve gold, he faced obstacles set by Aarathi, leading to a series of events that left the land soaked in blood, turning the sand into gold.

As the story progresses, Thangalaan and his village face the wrath of the zamindar, who seizes their land, forcing Thangalaan and his family into debt bondage. Meanwhile, a British officer named Lord Clement arrives in Veppur, seeking to exploit the villagers' ancestral knowledge to find gold. Despite warnings and the ominous presence of Aarathi, Thangalaan, his son Asokan, and fellow villagers embark on a dangerous journey to find the gold.

Throughout their perilous expedition, Thangalaan experiences hallucinations of Aarathi, and the villagers encounter deadly challenges, including a fierce storm, wild animals, and mystical occurrences. Eventually, they discover traces of gold, but their triumph is short-lived as the British officers claim the gold for themselves, leading to a deadly confrontation.

The film culminates in Thangalaan's realization of his past lives and his true connection to Aarathi, who was his wife in a previous life. As he embraces his destiny as the protector of his land and people, Thangalaan leads a revolt against the British, reclaiming the land's resources for his community. The story ends with Thangalaan discovering an abundance of native gold, bringing hope and prosperity to his people.

Thangalaan is praised for its powerful performances, particularly by Vikram, who delivers one of the most intense and dedicated performances of his career. The film's narrative is rich with historical references, mystical elements, and the struggles of a community against exploitation. Despite some flaws in pacing and special effects, Thangalaan is a visually compelling and emotionally resonant film that is best experienced in theaters.

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