Under The Mountain

TIFF: Based on Maurice Gee's best-selling novel, Under the Mountain is an exciting and suspenseful fantasy adventure set amid Auckland's breathtaking natural landscape. In this thrilling adaptation by Jonathan King, teenaged twins with a special talent face off against an ancient evil that lurks beneath the city's ring of dormant volcanoes.

Rachel and Theo are no ordinary twins: they have the ability to communicate telepathically, which gives them a unique bond. However, following the sudden death of their mother, this bond begins to weaken. When they are sent to live with their aunt, uncle and cousin Ricky in Auckland, a rift begins to form between the twins, with Theo rebuffing all of Rachel's attempts to confront their grief.

Meanwhile, Rachel becomes intrigued by the abandoned Wilberforce house across the lake from their aunt and uncle's place, and despite Ricky's warnings, she manages to convince Theo to join her on an investigation. What they find inside the house is deeply strange, and the creatures who live there much creepier than imagined. But the meaning of their discovery only becomes clear when they meet the mysterious Mr. Jones, who explains that the creatures are guardians of an ancient evil that will soon awaken and destroy the world. Moreover, Rachel and Theo have the telepathic gift to defeat the evil, but their success depends on their ability to work together and the strength of their connection. Theo, however, would prefer to combat the menace alone.

King has crafted an exhilarating work that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Alternating chills and laughter, the film features a strong set of performances from a cast that includes veteran Sam Neill as Mr. Jones. Under the Mountain also offers sensitive insight into the importance of co-operation and accepting support in times of crisis.

--Allen Braude

Jonathan King was born in Hamilton, New Zealand. He has directed commercials, over one hundred music videos, and the short films Still (02) and Chogar (03). He made his feature debut at the Festival in 2006 with Black Sheep. Under the Mountain (09) is his second feature film.
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Larry Richman: Under the Mountain is a love song to New Zealand's volcanoes. Jonathan King's fantasy tale is Lord of the Rings meets Alien -- may be a bit scary for younger kids despite its presence in the festival's Sprockets Family Zone. Sam Neill, who was brilliant in the sci-fi vampire flick Daybreakers, is back with a star turn here as an aging wizard-like Fagan. Only he has the knowledge to help save the world from the evil Gargantua. But it's up to teenage twins Theo and Rachel (young newcomers Tom Cameron and Sophie McBride) to wield the power. The charming kids steal the show here and couldn't be more engaging. The multi-layered story more than held my interest -- there's plenty here for adults and youth alike. Production values are stellar with mind-boggling visual and special effects, and Under the Mountain has the best score of any film I've seen here so far. The lush cinematography amounts to a New Zealand travelogue. The film is dazzling and puts many others of its ilk to shame. Under the Mountain deserves domestic distribution and should do well among family audiences.

Writer/director/producer Jonathan King was present and conducted a fun and engaging Q&A afterward, letting the audience in on many of the secrets behind the making of this blockbuster fantasy/sci-fi production.