The cover art for this movie, along with the summary, makes it a hard movie to get excited about. Plus, it’s made worse by having a lower rating than it deserves. I understand why, but those people are wrong.
The story is remarkably simple, but the way it’s handled is what makes it special. It would be easy to tell this story in a different style, like most religious cult stories, where there’s no reason to believe that the cult has valid beliefs. In this story, we start off with that impression, but then the story incorporates plenty of evidence that the Pit is actually a legitimate force. This changes everything.
Suddenly, the lead’s desire for survival becomes understandable, but ultimately a selfish endeavor. This doesn’t make her any less likable, either. There does seem to be a certain unfairness to their situation. She was born into this community, and she’s helpless against it. She’s also fighting against the instinct for self-preservation. If anything, she’s likable because she recognizes the role that she’s played in making things worse for everyone.
That’s where the movie has made some people unhappy. The ending is unsatisfying if you started the story with the impression that it should end with the destruction of the cult, or that she should somehow defeat The Pit. But as the story develops, it becomes clear that that ending doesn’t make sense in this situation. It’s a little sad, but it accomplishes two things. First, it twists audience expectations in a different direction. Second, it communicates an idea about community responsibility for the greater good.
I’m not saying this is a great movie, but it’s interesting, and I would suggest it for anyone who liked things like The Wicker Man. It’s an interesting variation on a classic idea.
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