Underland is a documentary directed by Rob Petit, based on Robert Macfarlane’s 2019 book “Underland: A Deep Time Journey.” Underland held its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival in the Documentary Competition. Underworld is narrated by actress Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall), as information about different underground environments in the USA and other countries is provided in “chapters.”
The documentary follows individuals and teams from diverse careers and backgrounds. The cameras are with the team’s explorations and provide a sense of being there. All I could think about at the beginning of the film was what danger they would encounter. They are brave and enthusiastic as they seek to discover what most of us rarely think about each day.
The film begins in Mexico with Fátima Tec Pool, an archaeologist exploring caves with a team in her native Mexico. There is a reference to the Mayan people who were known to enter caves for their rituals. It is fascinating to follow them on their exploration, how they set up camp on the lengthy mission, and the discovery of where her ancestors had been.
American theoretical physicist and Princeton University physics professor Mariangela Lisanti is interested in dark matter and has access to vast resources and equipment at her disposal, along with her team.
An American “urban explorer,” Bradley Garrett, enters underground tunnels around the world to see what is in that part of the world. Here, we see what is in Las Vegas tunnels.
While the documentary may not have been intended to be an educational story, it is certainly eye-opening when it comes to documentation about pollution and more. When buying a new household appliance, does anyone know where the old one goes? This documentary features excellent cinematography by Ruben Woodin Dechamps, which shows you the answer to that question.
Running time: One hour and 19 minutes
Source: Tribeca Film Festival, Sandbox Films