Underland Documentary Explores Humanity's Subterranean Mysteries
Rob Petit's contemplative essay-documentary Underland, adapted from Robert Macfarlane's bestselling book, offers a profound journey into the Earth's hidden realms. This film investigates the spaces beneath our feet, from natural formations to manmade structures, revealing what they conceal about human existence and the Anthropocene era.
Exploring Ancient and Modern Depths
The documentary presents striking visuals and thought-provoking questions as it navigates diverse underground environments. In Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, archaeologist Fátima Tec Pool descends into a cenote, a freshwater sinkhole once revered by the Maya as Xibalba, the underworld. These ancient explorations, conducted with mere firelight, contrast sharply with modern scientific endeavors.
In Canada, theoretical physicist Mariangela Lisanti works in an ultra-clean facility miles below the surface, searching for dark matter. Her research acknowledges the possibility that discoveries may not materialize in her lifetime, a sobering reflection on deep time. Meanwhile, urban explorer Bradley Garrett uncovers evidence of people living in the storm-drain tunnels beneath Las Vegas, highlighting social issues that drive individuals underground.
Poetic Narration and Visual Storytelling
Sandra Hüller provides narration, reading poetic prose about the "nether" in a slightly Americanized accent. While some may find this element bordering on silliness, the film's imagery often speaks powerfully on its own. The documentary raises intriguing, if fragmented, ideas about humanity's connection to subterranean spaces.
However, it occasionally blurs the distinction between natural underground formations, like the Yucatan caves existing in "vast reaches of deep time," and human-made structures such as abandoned cold war bunkers. Scenes showing dusty newspapers from 1978 in these bunkers underscore the transient nature of human creations compared to geological timescales.
Reflections on the Anthropocene and Deep Time
Underland prompts viewers to consider humanity's place within the Earth's long history. The most unsettling moments involve Lisanti's dark matter research, where the pursuit of knowledge spans generations. This exploration of deep time challenges our perception of progress and legacy.
The film's release in UK and Irish cinemas from March 27 invites audiences to ponder these subterranean mysteries. By weaving together archaeology, physics, and urban exploration, Underland creates a mosaic of human curiosity and resilience in facing the unknown.
