Robert MacFarlane states in his book UNDERLAND: A Deep Time Journey, “We know so little of the world beneath our feet.” This statement serves as a catalyst for a journey filled with mystery, memory, and science in UNDERLAND, a documentary film inspired by MacFarlane’s bestselling book. Directed by Rob Petit and narrated with poetic grace by Sandra Hüller, the seventy-nine-minute documentary was initially released at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 5, 2025. It made a significant impact at the festival with its atmospheric and chaptered exploration of the Earth’s hidden layers—both natural and manmade.
Unlike conventional documentaries, UNDERLAND unfolds across eight distinct chapters, each showcasing a different aspect of the subterranean world. The film explores various locations, including sacred Mayan caves, glacial rivers, flooded storm drains, and the deep underground dark matter laboratory known as SNOLAB. Director Rob Petit’s work transcends mere geology and science; it delves into themes of wonder, fear, and the relentless human desire to understand the unknown.
Shot in some of the world’s most inaccessible locations, the visuals are breathtaking– crisp, detailed, and beautifully colour-graded to bring out the depth of darkness and light underground. The fact that these sequences were filmed in such restricted and dangerous environments only adds to their impact. The sound design is equally stunning: subtle echoes of water and voices, the cold atmospheric ambient sounds deep underground of the Earth. The music may sometimes be distracting, as it may overpower the natural sounds; however, it still brings some impact as it rises in moments of reflection or suspense.
The film follows three explorers: an urban spelunker navigating decaying infrastructure, a Mayan archeologist diving into cenotes in search of ancestral stories, and a physicist at SNOLAB investigating dark matter. These are not just adventurers– they are seekers. Through their stories, the film meditates on the contrast between what humans build above ground and what we bury or forget below. A standout quote– “Cities, wealth rise through towers and skyscrapers, but it is also true that poverty sinks”– rings like a quiet reflection of what has been happening in our world.
With minimal dialogue and primarily voiceovers, UNDERLAND creates an almost meditative viewing experience. Hüller’s narration ties the film’s stunning imagery to deeper philosophical questions and statements, guiding viewers through thoughts on nature, time, and the unknown.
As of now, the documentary has not been released on any online platforms. Hopefully, it will be shared before the end of the year, as it is an intriguing film. UNDERLAND isn’t a documentary that provides answers; rather, it encourages viewers to ask questions. The film uncovers what has long been buried and examines the unknown. It challenges the notion that what lies beneath us is merely dirt, rock, or darkness. Instead, it suggests that beneath the surface lies beauty, history, and potentially groundbreaking knowledge for the future.