This film presents itself as an observational documentary unlike any other, unfolding along two distinct lines. One follows the recreation of a 1961 expedition dedicated to exploring a cave system extending far beneath the Calabrian plateau. The other introduces an elderly shepherd, Antonio Lanza, whose communication seems limited to sounds reminiscent of his cattle. Initially, the connection between these narratives isn't clear, but they gradually merge with a quiet strength. The cave itself possesses a powerful, almost physical quality; its entrance evokes a sense of ancient times, easily conjuring images of long-ago pagan ceremonies honoring nature. It’s striking how rudimentary their methods are – measuring depth using burning embers for light and creating maps entirely by hand. There's no trace of modern technology; they sleep in tents frequently visited by grazing animals. The shepherd observes, seemingly detached, until he experiences a health episode, prompting concern from his companions and an assessment by a doctor who, without words, recognizes that he is nearing the end of his life. The sound design is noteworthy. The absence of spoken language allows for a heightened awareness of natural sounds – water, wind, animal noises – which proves quite effective. The cinematography is also remarkable, particularly within the cave where rock formations create captivating shadows and textures under the surveyors' helmet lamps’ faint illumination. It feels unsettling and confining; I was struck by the sense that this wasn't a place for humans to be. There's an inherent simplicity to the entire production, which might feel slow at times, but it provides a look at both the natural world and human endeavors that have changed very little over many years, and I discovered it strangely captivating.

Source on TMDB