Hot Docs 2023 Review: Subterranean

Subterranean takes viewers on a stunning, thrilling trip into worlds few will ever get to see either in person or on camera. And for the claustrophobic, this is as close as they might ever want to get to these spaces.

Subterranean, directed by Francois-Xavier de Ruydts, looks at the intense, physically demanding, meticulous, and uniquely beautiful world of cave exploration through the eyes of two Canadians trying to set records. Katie Graham, an accountant from Calgary, wants to set a record for finding the deepest cave in Canada, travelling into the depths of the Bisaro Anima in the Rocky Mountains, a journey that will require her to learn scuba diving techniques to accomplish the goal. Franck Tuot, a family man from Vancouver Island, has becomes obsessed with trying to connect a trio of tunnels in hopes of establishing the longest known tunnel system in Canada, a task that will test his stamina, patience, and his relationship to his wife and kids.

The obsession of Katie and Franck is infectious to behold, especially when one gets to witness the sort of hidden beauty they encounter all the time. The cinematography in Subterranean is tremendous, and up there with some of the best images captures in space or the deep sea. The danger is also quite palpable, with the risk of getting trapped, injured, or both very real. 

Their shared desire to be the first people to glimpse sights never seen before with human eyes requires tremendous amounts of planning, skill, courage, and cartography, meaning most viewers won’t want to join up with these expeditions any time soon. But the subjects and filmmakers of Subterranean make for exceptional guides into the natural unknown.

Saturday, April 29, 2023 – 3:30 pm – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 – 8:45 pm – TIFF Bell Lightbox 2

Subterranean will be available to stream across Canada via Hot Docs from May 5th to 9th.