UNDERGROUND (Souterrain) is in Cinemas, Virtual Cinemas & VOD Now!
UNDERGROUND is the second feature from Canadian writer/director auteur Sophie Dupuis, and follows along in similar genre from her first critically acclaimed gritty drama/thriller. ‘Family First,’ which looks at the relationship between two brothers when they get involved in a drug cartel, was a strong, dramatic debut. UNDERGROUND, follows up even stronger, and confirms the Sophie’s talent, and that she is a creative force definitely here to stay. UNDERGROUND is a pacey, gripping, dramatic thriller strongly portraying male relationships, but in a very natural, honest way.
Set in a mining community in Quebec, the film opens with an underground explosion. A rescue team of miners is gathered, and amongst their number is ‘Maxime’. Barely able to contain his desperation to find survivors, he nearly endangers the rescue mission. From here we jump back a couple of months, and slowly, the reasons why he is so frantic are revealed, as the story unfolds in the past and inexorably gathers momentum into the present crisis of the mining catastrophe, what caused it, and what it means to all those involved.
Right from the opening seconds, the tension is palpable, and is the sort of magnetic drama that grabs, locks the audience’s emotions into the story, and does not let go. What is also startling is the deep understanding of male relationships, dealt with the sort of tension and honesty not really seen since ‘The Hurt Locker.’ For this is a story about men doing dangerous things that benefit all society, and provides a rare glimpse into the reality and rawness of what is a very, male dominated world.
A refreshing balance to the ‘me too’ movement, ‘UNDERGROUND,’ champions all that’s good about men, and sort of sets the record straight. This is how men are when they are at their best, and Sophie Dupuis portrays all that is heart breaking as well, just as Kathryn Bigelow did back in 2008 for the ‘Hurt Locker.’ It is also hoped that upcoming actor Joakim Robillard makes as much career success out of this film as did Jeremy Renner in the Hurt Locker. Turning in a wonderful performance as the troubled, but honourable and real ‘Maxime,’ it is his performance that holds the screen, along with that played by Theodore Pellerin, who plays his younger friend Julien. Here is no top-gun-gung-ho male ego trip, but along with some great support characters, a really pertinent look at the hopes and desires of these men who want to build and protect futures for their families and friends.
What also helps UNDERGROUND, succeed wonderfully, is the amazing camera work, which is so accomplished, it almost makes the audience feel they are looking through a window onto a real world. Shot by Mathieu Laverdiere, who is a successful veteran of 44 films, and also a Canadian, the visual side of the film is believable and visceral. This is the sort of filmmaking that only happens when talent meets trust, good communication and hard work. Backed by an atmospheric sound track, by 2 upcoming composers, ‘Underground’ is a must see for anyone interested in strong drama, and seeing a very positive reinforcement of all that’s good about men, show-cased by a very, very talented female Writer/Director. It is wonderful example of what the best of both genders can achieve in filmmaking, and deserves every success it gets.
Review by writer/director Jane A. Foster, who believes in championing all independent voices, and supports creative freedom. janecreates@23-films.com
