After being shot down over Afghanistan, Royal Air Force pilot Lt. Kate Sinclair seeks shelter within an abandoned underground bunker, unwittingly reawakening lethal hybrid creatures that are part human and part alien.
Director Neil Marshall takes viewers on an interesting but bumpy ride through war-torn Afghanistan. Luke Bryant's cinematography, especially of the exteriors, is nothing short of stunning, capturing the desolate beauty of landscapes with breathtaking precision. The stark, rugged terrain against the mysterious underground bunker creates a visually captivating contrast.
While it boasts some rousing visuals and snappy dialogue from Marshall and lead actress Charlotte Kirk's script, there are moments when the on-screen shenanigans feel a tad too cheap and staged. The sterile aesthetic occasionally robs the film of its raw intensity, especially some creature design. Despite Marshall's impressive ability to make small budgets feel big, this film doesn't reach the heights of Doomsday, The Descent, Centurion, or Dog Soldiers.
The small cast ensemble does a good enough job, but the ragtag group of different army nationalities aimed at highlighting their differences and coming together at times merely detracts. Jamie Bamber surprisingly chews up the scenery, and Kirk does her best Milla Jovovich impression as pilot Sinclair's harrowing journey unfolds. Although not truly memorable, the brisk pacing delivers a splattery action with a few gory moments.
Overall, The Lair may not reach the greatness of Marshall's previous works, but it's a satisfying enough genre piece worth watching.
Director Neil Marshall takes viewers on an interesting but bumpy ride through war-torn Afghanistan. Luke Bryant's cinematography, especially of the exteriors, is nothing short of stunning, capturing the desolate beauty of landscapes with breathtaking precision. The stark, rugged terrain against the mysterious underground bunker creates a visually captivating contrast.
While it boasts some rousing visuals and snappy dialogue from Marshall and lead actress Charlotte Kirk's script, there are moments when the on-screen shenanigans feel a tad too cheap and staged. The sterile aesthetic occasionally robs the film of its raw intensity, especially some creature design. Despite Marshall's impressive ability to make small budgets feel big, this film doesn't reach the heights of Doomsday, The Descent, Centurion, or Dog Soldiers.
The small cast ensemble does a good enough job, but the ragtag group of different army nationalities aimed at highlighting their differences and coming together at times merely detracts. Jamie Bamber surprisingly chews up the scenery, and Kirk does her best Milla Jovovich impression as pilot Sinclair's harrowing journey unfolds. Although not truly memorable, the brisk pacing delivers a splattery action with a few gory moments.
Overall, The Lair may not reach the greatness of Marshall's previous works, but it's a satisfying enough genre piece worth watching.