Philip Adrian Booth directed "Death Tunnel," a horror movie released in 2005, that’s surprisingly well-crafted. The story centers on five college students—dressed in lingerie—who find themselves trapped inside a massive, abandoned sanatorium in Kentucky. This location has a grim history: it was the site of 63,000 deaths from what was known as the "white plague" during the early 19th century. What began as a supposed college initiation quickly turns frightening when the spirits of those who perished begin to appear. The film manages to successfully blend unsettling locations and special effects with attractive actresses and a fast-paced editing style, creating an exceptionally enjoyable experience. The ending is unexpectedly touching, and it’s hard to imagine the amount of time and effort that went into its creation. Such attention to detail and professionalism are uncommon, especially in low-budget independent films. Some viewers were likely put off by the numerous flashbacks, flashforwards, and flashbetweens used in the opening section, which may have caused confusion. The lack of suspenseful build-up—due to these techniques and the immediate portrayal of the girls’ terrified reactions—is also noticeable. However, the narrative improves considerably during the second and third acts as it focuses on their attempts to escape the sanatorium. I believe that director Philip Adrian Booth and his brother, Christopher Saint Booth (who wrote the script), intentionally used this non-linear approach at the beginning to disorient viewers. If so, it was effective. However, this can be off-putting for many people during their first viewing because watching the film requires focus in order to become invested. I’d suggest rewatching and simply letting yourself enjoy the experience; the story ultimately comes together as you get drawn into the movie's magic. While a more straightforward storyline might have made "Death Tunnel" more accessible, it became clear after a second viewing that the Booth brothers prioritized artistic expression and originality over standard horror tropes—something that deserves recognition. This unconventional approach explains many of the negative reviews, but anyone who values cinematic artistry should appreciate this film. You need to be in the right frame of mind and accept that this isn’t a movie driven by dialogue or plot, slowly building suspense. Instead, it delivers 90 minutes of horror and its entertaining aspects from the very beginning, which some people may not be able to handle. The filmmakers primarily shot the film at Waverly Hills Sanatorium near Louisville, KY—a perfect setting for a horror story. As mentioned earlier, the movie features many beautiful women, particularly those struggling to escape the sanatorium (such as Kristin Novak as Ashley, Melanie Lewis as Devon, and Yolanda Pecoraro as Elizabeth). There are even more actresses, including some portraying ghosts. The film earns top marks in this regard. It also has a genuinely creepy atmosphere and a few effective scares. Adding to the experience is the modern metal song "Disconnected" by 9 Volt Revolt (featured both within the story and during the end credits), complemented by Christopher Saint Booth’s haunting score. All of these elements combine for a highly entertaining film, with particularly creative editing. One reviewer compared the editing style to Rob Zombie's work in “House of 1000 Corpses” (2003), but that movie was more of a darkly humorous comedy, whereas "Death Tunnel" is serious horror. Furthermore, the innovative editing in "Death Tunnel" elevates it considerably and is truly impressive. The film runs for 97 minutes. GRADE: B+/A-

Source on TMDB