Exploring the Depths: Insights from Rob Petit's *Underland*

Rob Petit’s documentary *Underland*, inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s bestselling book, delves into the enigmatic spaces beneath the Earth's surface, exploring their significance to human existence and the Anthropocene. The film juxtaposes various narratives, including the ancient reverence of cenotes by the Maya people and contemporary scientific inquiries into dark matter.

The Guardian

The documentary features several prominent figures, each offering unique insights into underground realms. Mexican archaeologist Fátima Tec Pool explores a cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula, a site historically regarded by the Maya as Xibalba, or the underworld. This exploration highlights the cultural and historical significance of natural underground spaces.

The Guardian

In contrast, theoretical physicist Mariangela Lisanti conducts research on dark matter in a specially designed facility located miles below the Earth's surface in Canada. Her work raises questions about the nature of scientific inquiry in such extreme environments, particularly the uncertainty surrounding the potential outcomes of her research.

The Guardian

Urban explorer Bradley Garrett provides a starkly different perspective as he navigates the storm-drain tunnels beneath Las Vegas, revealing the existence of individuals living in these dark, human-made spaces. This narrative underscores the socio-economic issues that drive people underground, contrasting sharply with the natural underground explorations presented in the film.

The Guardian

While *Underland* presents arresting visuals and thought-provoking themes, some critiques have emerged regarding its execution. The film intersperses these narratives with poetry read by Sandra Hüller, which some viewers found to detract from the powerful imagery. Critics argue that the film could have benefited from allowing the visuals to convey their messages more directly, rather than relying on poetic interpretations.

The Guardian

Additionally, the documentary has been noted for its failure to adequately differentiate between natural underground formations and human-made structures. The juxtaposition of ancient caves with abandoned Cold War bunkers raises questions about the implications of human intervention in these spaces.

The Guardian

The film has sparked discussions about the philosophical implications of exploring underground spaces. Critics have pointed out that while the film raises intriguing questions, it may not fully address the complexities of human existence in relation to these environments. The contrasting narratives of ancient reverence and modern scientific exploration invite viewers to reflect on humanity's relationship with the Earth.

The Guardian

• “The most disquieting scenes, for me, are those showing Lisanti’s work searching for dark matter, and acknowledging, with hardly a tremor of concern, that all this work miles below the Earth’s crust may not yield anything in her lifetime.” — Rob Petit, reflecting on Lisanti’s research

The Guardian

*Underland* serves as a multifaceted exploration of the subterranean world, intertwining historical, scientific, and socio-economic narratives. While it raises significant questions about our understanding of underground spaces, the film's execution has prompted critical reflection on the balance between imagery and interpretation.

The Guardian