Descent (2007)

Maya (Rosario Dawson) is like many other college coeds, booksmart yet shy, curious about sex, yet scared to let herself go. One night she meets Jared (played by Chad Faust). When their courtship turns from romantic to horrific in a single violent act, Maya's world is ripped inside-out. Shutting out everyone in her life, Maya loses herself to a dark throbbing underworld of experimentation. Lured by club DJ Adrian (Marcus Patrick), she awakens to a cold and vicious new strength. But will Maya's downward spiral consume and destroy her - or will she be saved by its power? (Edited R-Rated version also availble on DVD). Product Description

Hard to review...even harder to watch

Not to be confused with The Descent (Unrated Widescreen Edition) (which I loved, by the way!), this film focuses on the trials and tribulations of college coed, Maya, and how her life is affected after being raped. The movie made me quite uncomfortable in a couple of spots, so I guess it succeeded in that aspect. But after a certain point, I just said "enough is enough". I am not a woman and have no idea how a woman would feel after such an ordeal and this movie did not make me any more empathetic. It did, however, make me feel like I was watching something I shouldn't be. Watch the film if you must, but be prepared to squirm and then take a shower afterwards.. May 16, 2008

A gritty look at rape and revenge

Mya (Rosario Dawson) is a somewhat reclusive college student who doesn't really have interaction with many men. She's so reserved that her parents have begun to worry about her. At one early point in the movie it appears that Mya may even have some thoughts of exploring homosexuality.

I can't go further without mentioning the fact that Rosario Dawson is compelling in her performance, morphing from innocent to wrecked, and eventually to psycho-sexual yet confused strength.

Anyway, Jared is a goofy looking, cookie eating, frat-boy with stalker tendencies. He has an atrociously borderline mullet, the skull structure reminiscent of a sketch after an alien abduction, the most horribly pretentious pickup lines in history, advances more awkward than a WNBA player walking in high-heels, and an agenda so obvious that it can be from Jupiter.

It's only a matter of time before Jared's polished routine manages to convince a naïve Mya into the frat's basement. How she didn't perceive his creepiness, which jumped off the screen the minute his opening credits rolled, is beyond me. However, he was somehow seductive enough to get her to engage in some kissing. When Mya wanted it to end, Jared didn't, and he raped her. Many may feel the scene is somewhat weak, or not brutal enough for a rape scene, but it's quite possible for someone to simply go catatonic during a traumatic experience, and there is a point at which even the strongest mind gives up fighting.

Afterwards Mya is psychologically destroyed, going throughout her graduation and daily life like Jodie Foster from Nell. At night, however, she's the polar opposite, and looking for satisfaction, understanding, and healing through alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity. In this lifestyle, she begins to take pleasure dominating others - mentally, physically, and sexually.

It is only when she has gained full control of her emotions that she can trule overcome her anguish, gain her inner strength, and find the resolution for which she's been searching. The final chilling sequence is jaw-dropping, and I didn't know whether to cheer or gasp. It's truly risque, and challenges the viewer to decide whether the old "eye for an eye" adage has any merit. May 5, 2008

Not good; just not good at all...and I am being very kind!

Bad transfer of a really shallow movie. Chad Faust, give it up! Rosario Dawson, get back to mainstream if you can. Where's Edward Norton...call him.

So why did she make this movie? April 23, 2008

GREAT MOVIE (not for kids)

i thought this movie was great! however kids shoulnt watch it rosario dawson did great April 4, 2008

wow

This movie is awesome. I don't usually feel horrified at movies, but the last scene of this movie was just insane! Many people will not like this movie because it does not give you in-depth insight into these people's lives, basically all you see is what each of these persons does to others. There is no real sense of right or wrong being enforced. all judgment is left up to the person watching the movie, which is something that I found to be wonderful because i hate when someone decides for me what it right or wrong.

Now, the only downside about this movie is the fact that it looked like my cousin snuck into the theaters and copied it straight off the screen. There are parts within the movie where I had to guess what one or more characters were saying because there was just so much background noise within the film.Another downside for me,personally, was the fact that I got to see Chad Faust naked, yet by the time it sunk in thoroughly he was getting dealt with in the worst of ways. So, if any girls(like myself) get the movie for the nude scene,don't bother.
March 23, 2008

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