• Release year: 2025
• Director: Rob Petit.
• Producers: Darren Aronofsky, Lauren Greenwood, Ari Handel, and Jessica Harrop.
• Screenplay by: Rob Petit.
• Cinematography by: Ruben Woodin Dechamps.
• Music by: Hannah Peel.

Shotgun Commentary: unexpectedly fascinating.

Review

Underland is a documentary that focuses on that which is beneath the known ground. Much like the depths of the sea, the underground is a mostly uncharted world of which we know ridiculously little. This feature puts a lens into the brave explorers who, for one reason or another, decide to venture into the dark unknown to figure out what is going on down there.

Digging for knowledge

The documentary follows three main storylines. A team of research scientists searching for dark matter in an underground lab, archaeologists mapping caves in search for Mayan culture, and an urban explorer who ventures into storm drains and other underground constructions to bring hidden cultures and communities back into the light.

Each of these storylines is divided into several parts and displayed alongside close-ups of life in the underworld. Most of these images shot in macro show microorganisms that will be completely unrecognisable for a large percentage of the audience. Still, they look gorgeous and come accompanied by Sandra Hüller’s voice reciting poetry about the depths of the earth in the form of one of the best impressions of Galadriel (Lord of the Rings, 2001) the world has ever heard.

Prophecies of the underworld aside, the stories are oddly engaging even for those of us who have never given a single thought to what’s beneath our feet. Much like going into space or to the depths of the sea, travelling to the underground is dangerous and daunting. Still, these “astronauts of the underworld” bravely face the unknown in search for answers. Answers about their ancestors, about the world we inhabit now, and about the possibilities that lie ahead of us.

In their journey for answers, they come across different nuggets of knowledge that they share with the viewers. One of those messages, arguably the one that sticks the most thanks to its placement in the documentary, is “Todo está interconectado”, which translates as “Everything is interconnected”.

Unexpected reflections

This might seem like an obvious statement, but more often than not people seem to forget that. We are the product of those who came before us, and we set the precedent to those who will come after. This simple fact is often ignored by small-minded people in power who do not bother to consider the consequences of their actions. From denying climate change to starting pointless wars in order to cover up their own heinous crimes, it is these kinds of people who leave the world a little bit worse than they found it.

Still, if we apply an even broader reading of that sentence, EVERYTHING is interconnected. We are made of the same stardust as everything else, and our presence in the form we inhabit is but a minuscule blip in the existence of an indifferent universe. As such, sometimes taking a big step back helps a lot. The universe goes on no matter how much fake orange tan you wear or how loud you yell. Nothing stays forever, no matter how big it might want to appear to be.

All in all, Underland is a documentary comprehensive enough for children to watch and enjoy, and complex enough to invite rants such as the one you just read. It is aesthetically beautiful, carefully written, and flawlessly edited. If you enjoy documentaries about the unknown, this is a nice choice for sure.

Dogwoolf presents this wonderful feature, now in UK cinemas and with special events such as the following:

FRI 24 APRIL – CARDIGAN – THEATR MWLDAN + Q&A with Robert Petit

WITH MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON. MORE INFO AND TICKETS HERE!

Advice to take from this movie:

• To know more about yourself, sometimes it is worth taking a look at what came before you.
• Never dismiss the sheer amount of knowledge humans do NOT possess.
• Never go into a cave without a professional. EVER.

What’s your take? Have you watched Underland? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message on my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀