Sanctum

“What could possibly go wrong diving in caves?” asks a naïve newcomer joining the team headed by cranky caver/diver Frank McGuire (Richard Roxburgh) while they descend into the mammoth Esa'ala Caves of Papua New Guinea—a place described as the “last primeval wilderness.” An intrepid South Pacific explorer, McGuire is trying to find an underground pipeline from the cave entrance to the sea. McGuire is bankrolled by arrogant American billionaire adventurer Carl Hurley (Ioan Gruffudd), who's brought along mountain-climbing girlfriend Victoria (Alice Parkinson); plus there's McGuire's rebellious 17-year-old son Josh (Rhys Wakefield), and a handful of other obviously expendable participants. After discovering a magnificent, cathedral-like cavern, the team is trapped when a monsoon-driven flash flood seals off all the previously charted exits, leaving them struggling in the rugged, flooded terrain while desperately searching for an alternate way out. Inspired by actual events experienced by producer Andrew Wight—who co-wrote the simplistic, predictably melodramatic story and banal dialogue with John Garvin—director Alister Grierson's action-thriller is a schlocky subterranean diversion, mostly distinguished by stunning visuals. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Alister Grierson, costar Rhys Wakefield, and co-writer/producer Andrew Wight, a “making-of” featurette (46 min.), deleted scenes (10 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is the “Nullarbor Dreaming” documentary that inspired the film, a bonus digital copy, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a so-so nature thriller.] (S. Granger)