As Above, So Below (2014)
As Above, So Below (2014) is a tense, claustrophobic found-footage horror film directed by John Erick Dowdle. Combining supernatural horror with psychological suspense, the movie explores themes of fear, history, and the descent into madness within the dark depths of the Paris Catacombs.
The story follows Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks), a young archaeologist with a passion for uncovering lost secrets of the past. Her journey leads her to the Paris Catacombs, an extensive underground labyrinth filled with centuries-old human remains. Scarlett is on a mission to locate the Philosopher’s Stone, an ancient relic with supposed alchemical powers. To uncover its location, she assembles a team of explorers, including her friend George (Ben Feldman) and other adventurers, to traverse the treacherous catacombs.
As they descend deeper into the labyrinth, the group faces not only physical challenges like narrow passages, unstable tunnels, and darkness but also terrifying supernatural events. The deeper they go, the more the team begins to lose their grip on reality. The catacombs become a nightmarish maze, where time collapses, hallucinations take over, and death seems imminent. The group must now fight to survive as they face their own fears, ancient curses, and the horrors lurking in the dark.
As Above, So Below explores themes of isolation, descent into madness, and the idea of history manifesting through the supernatural. The catacombs symbolize both a physical and psychological descent, mirroring the group’s personal fears and struggles. The film also examines themes of discovery and how the pursuit of forbidden knowledge can lead to inevitable consequences.
Visually, the film uses the found-footage style to great effect, amplifying the sense of realism and immediacy in its storytelling. The cinematography is dark, shaky, and claustrophobic, mirroring the characters’ descent into terror and disorientation. The low lighting, dim shadows, and confined spaces create an oppressive atmosphere that heightens the psychological and physical horrors the characters encounter.
The pacing maintains an intense and relentless tone, focusing on suspense and disorientation rather than traditional jump scares. The combination of history, supernatural elements, and psychological torment makes for a tense, atmospheric journey into fear and discovery.
As Above, So Below (2014) is a chilling, atmospheric horror film that combines supernatural elements with psychological suspense. Its claustrophobic setting, gripping visuals, and smart exploration of human fears make it an intense journey into the darkness of the Paris Catacombs and the depths of the human psyche.