“The Tunnel” is a must-see “found footage film”, created by the brilliant minds of Enzo Tedeschi and Julian Harvey. Immerse yourself in the depths of Australian horror as you join the protagonists on a heart-pounding journey through the darkness of Sydney’s underground. While The Tunnel may not claim the title of the world’s greatest movie, it undeniably possesses an alluring charm.
The Tunnel a simple Indie Horror
A group of filmmakers decided to challenge the government’s approach to fighting internet piracy by crowdfunding their film and releasing it on BitTorrent. They sold each frame of the film for $1 to raise funds and encouraged bloggers to embed the movie’s link in their reviews to help spread the word. The filmmakers aimed to create a viral sensation.
“There is a lot of evidence that suggests that people who download films and music illegally actually buy more than those who don’t,” Tedeschi said.
Quote from filmmaker Tedeschi
- The release date for The Tunnel movie: May 2011,
- Director: Carlo Ledesma,
- Writers: Enzo Tedeschi and Julian Harvey.
Australian Horror Movies
Set in Sydney, a journalist Natasha (Bel Delia) follows a story that goes cold about underground water trapped in abandoned train tunnels under the city. The government had spoken about recycling this water and there is chatter about homeless people who live in the tunnels disappearing.
She enlists a camera crew and despite not gaining the correct permits or permission to film there, finds a way in.
The Tunnel Movie Review
Set in mockumentary style, the majority of the movie feels like you are watching the news. The first 40 minutes or so is spent on why Natasha is hellbent on continuing with the story even though she is given dead-end after dead-end. The main characters are well developed and I have to give bonus points for creating connections with the 4 that end up underground.
Pete, who plays the producer in the crew starred in Black Water (2007) a favorite Aussie horror of mine and Andy Rodoreda does a fine job here being the person with some common sense. Pete also holds the map and dissuades everyone from following tunnels that are not on it.
Steve (Steve Davis) is the camera operator and still works as one today. He was recently behind the lens of The Real Housewives of Sydney (2017). Together with Tangles (Luke Arnold of Black Sails 2017), they look just like a rock band sans instruments, trailing around after Natasha to get her footage.
Cut Away Cinematography
The cut-away footage (Similar to the film Mom and Dad (2018) is relatively okay but would have served better as a dialogue at the end. There are also a few details in The Tunnel that aren’t in line with common sense. Although the actions of some increase the scary edge conceived by the premise, there are too many opportunities they think about them.
In one example, some footage gets recorded of the crew and Natasha in a blood-filled room. The footage was taken by somebody else. It’s a good plot device until you realize that the smallest camera they have is being placed outside the door. It’s a very strange thing to do when things have already begun to go missing. Luckily it’s common for horror movie casts to make foolish decisions so it’s easily overlooked.
The Tunnel is a movie with its own unique charm. While it may not succeed in delivering an intense thrill ride, it still holds its own in terms of storytelling and exploring its intriguing themes. I would encourage you to give it a chance, as it can be appreciated by fans of found footage films and those who enjoy discovering hidden gems. Furthermore, if you have a fondness for Sydney, you’ll be delighted by the stunning opening scenery that showcases the city in all its beauty. So, why not give it a watch and keep the flame of revolution burning?
“The Tunnel” Australian found footage movie is rated
2.5 lakes under the city out of 5
