The Tunnel

The Tunnel was an unexpected score.
I was trawling the shelves of Big W's DVD aisles (as I do) and came across this Australian film. It painted itself as a horror flick, with most of the action taking place in the disused train tunnels under Sydney. The Tunnel is also the first film produced under the $135k project, where people bought individual frames in an effort to raise funds for its production.
The plot revolves around a decision made the New South Wales government in 2007 to scrap a plan which utilised the water in disused underground train tunnels under Sydney. A few rumours about government coverups and a few urban legends thrown in for good measure perks the interest of investigative journalist Natasha Warner (Bel Delia), and the film follows her (and her crew's) investigation.
The film is presented in a documentary form, with Warner and cameraman Steve Miller (Steve Davis) telling their version of events.
Warner recounts an interview with a homeless man who lived in the tunnels, and she decides to go down for a look after he reacts very poorly to questions about other homeless people who had gone missing.
Despite initial thoughts the film was tacky and unenjoyable, those fears were soon put to rest. In fact, by the end of the film I was beggin for more.
The use of footage shot by the "crew" adds a whole new dimension to the film, as the four have only their equipment to keep them alive. There are some scenes that cause the hairs on the back of the neck to stand on end, and the film does not take any steps back.
A severely underrated and unknown film that is a welcome addition to any fan of films made or set in Australia, or the wider horror fraternity.

The Tunnel: 90 minutes (2011)