Down Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A sentient elevator goes on a homicidal rampage because…reasons, and a mechanic and reporter have to stop it before it ruins everyone’s commute.

🍿 Down: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Elevator Malfunctions and Initial Investigation

The film opens with a series of unsettling elevator malfunctions in the Millennium Building, a prominent New York skyscraper. Elevator mechanic Mark Newman is tasked with investigating the cause of these incidents. He soon discovers that the problems are far from ordinary mechanical failures.

Gruesome Accidents and a Reporter’s Intrigue

As the elevator malfunctions escalate, resulting in gruesome accidents and deaths, Mark teams up with Jennifer Evans, a tenacious reporter seeking a compelling story. Together, they delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the elevator, facing resistance and uncovering suspicious activities within the building’s management.

Unraveling a Dark Conspiracy

Mark and Jennifer’s investigation leads them to uncover a sinister conspiracy involving experimental technology and a rogue scientist. They discover that the elevator’s behavior is linked to a biochip with a mind of its own, created through unethical experimentation. The stakes rise as the government becomes involved, fearing a terrorist threat.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mark Newman (James Marshall): An elevator mechanic who investigates the cause of the elevator malfunctions in the Millennium Building.
• Jennifer Evans (Naomi Watts): A spunky reporter who teams up with Mark to uncover the mystery behind the killer elevator.
• Jeffrey (Eric Thal): Mark’s colleague who initially helps investigate the elevator problems.
• Gunter Steinberg (Michael Ironside): The scientist behind the biochip technology that causes the elevators to malfunction and kill people.
• Milligan (Edward Herrmann): The manager of the Millennium Building who tries to downplay the elevator incidents.
• Mitchell (Ron Perlman): The shady owner of the elevator company who is secretly involved with Steinberg’s experiments.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jennifer Evans: “I’ll pee on them.” – Jennifer says this after her boss asks her to make her stories ‘juicy,’ demonstrating her rebellious and sarcastic attitude.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $411,702
• Worldwide Gross: $535,658

💥 Down Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, let’s be honest, “Down” is not a cinematic masterpiece. But I couldn’t help but be entertained! The premise is so ridiculous that it’s almost charming. The elevator kills are over-the-top and gruesome, which is exactly what I was hoping for. There’s a scene where an elevator door decapitates someone and it’s just *chef’s kiss*. It has Naomi Watts early in her career which is fun to watch, especially because of her impressive rise since this movie. If you’re looking for a serious horror flick, steer clear. But if you want a silly, gory, and totally unbelievable ride, buckle up!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of B-movies”
  • “Viewers interested in campy horror”
  • “Those who appreciate unintentional humor”
  • “Fans of Naomi Watts may be curious”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief scenes of suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• Bloody Disgusting: “While not groundbreaking, “Down” offers a few decent scares and some darkly humorous moments, but the muddled plot and over-the-top effects ultimately lead to a disappointing ride. Naomi Watts does her best, but even she can’t elevate this film to anything more than a guilty pleasure.
• The Wrap: “”Down” is cheesy and predictable. It is packed with B-movie thrills and some surprisingly well-executed gore. The talented cast make the movie oddly watchable even though the plot is ridiculous. If you go in expecting a serious horror, avoid. But if you want some B-movie schlock, give it a shot.

Audience Reactions

The over-the-top gore and ridiculous premise made it a fun, if not exactly ‘good,’ movie.: Viewers appreciated the film’s campy nature and willingness to embrace its absurdity.

Overall Consensus: “Down” is a campy, gory B-movie that is more enjoyable for its ridiculousness than its actual quality. It’s a guilty pleasure for those who appreciate over-the-top horror.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Down is a remake of director Dick Maas’s own 1983 Dutch film, De Lift.”
• “The film makes several eerie, coincidental references to terrorism and potential attacks on the World Trade Center, despite being produced before 9/11. These references led to a delayed and limited theatrical release in the US.”
• “Naomi Watts starred in this film before her breakthrough roles in ‘Mulholland Drive’ and ‘The Ring’, which significantly raised her profile.”

🖥️ How to Watch Down?

Down (also known as The Shaft) is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability or physical media options. While not widely available on subscription services, keep an eye on streaming platforms like Hulu or Paramount+ as content can change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Down, you might like these similar films:

• The Lift (1983): This is the original Dutch film that ‘Down’ is a remake of, with a similar premise of a killer elevator.
• Devil (2010): A group of people are trapped in an elevator, and one of them is the Devil. Shares the claustrophobic and contained horror setting.
• Ghostbusters (1984): It’s architecture and ‘look’ of the building reminds you of it.
• The Mangler (1995): Another horror film featuring a possessed machine (a laundry press) that comes to life and kills people. Has a similar B-movie feel.

🛒 Down Related Products

• Millennium Building Blueprint Poster: A detailed blueprint poster of the fictional Millennium Building. The blueprints are presented in a vintage style and offer a glimpse into the inner workings of the ill-fated skyscraper.
• Elevator Repairman T-Shirt: A t-shirt featuring a distressed design of an elevator repairman’s uniform, complete with a humorous tagline. It is a unique and funny way to pay homage to the movie’s main character, Mark Newman.
• “Killer Elevator” Board Game: A cooperative board game where players must work together to stop the homicidal elevator before it claims more victims. Featuring unique mechanics and strategic gameplay.
• Down (The Shaft) Blu-ray Collector’s Edition: A limited edition Blu-ray release of the movie, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and deleted scenes. Packaged in a deluxe case with unique artwork.

🎧 Soundtrack

Down features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “She’s Not There” – performed by The Zombies
• “Love in an Elevator” – performed by Aerosmith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Analyzing Evil: William “D-FENS” Foster From Falling Down

Ever wondered what makes D-FENS tick in ‘Falling Down’? This video breaks down his character and motivations in a way that really makes you think. I found it super insightful!

✨ Rate