As Above, So Below” is a chilling psychological horror film that plunges viewers into the dark and mysterious catacombs beneath the streets of Paris. This 2014 movie blends elements of historical intrigue, alchemy, and supernatural terror, creating a gripping experience that keeps audiences on edge from start to finish. The narrative weaves a complex story of exploration, discovery, and personal demons, making it more than just a typical horror film. Its unique setting, combined with the found-footage style, immerses viewers directly into the claustrophobic and perilous world beneath Paris, heightening both suspense and psychological tension as characters confront fears both external and internal.
Plot Overview
The movie follows a team of explorers and researchers who venture into the catacombs of Paris in search of a legendary alchemical treasure. The protagonist, Scarlett Marlowe, is a driven archaeologist determined to uncover secrets left behind by her father, who mysteriously disappeared during his own search for the treasure. She is accompanied by a small team, including George, Ben, and Papillon, each with their own motivations and fears. The story quickly escalates from a daring exploration to a nightmarish descent, as the group encounters supernatural phenomena and faces increasingly bizarre and terrifying challenges that blur the line between reality and hallucination.
Themes and Symbolism
“As Above, So Below” incorporates rich symbolism rooted in alchemy, mythology, and psychology. The film’s title is derived from the Hermetic maxim, reflecting the idea that the material world mirrors the spiritual realm. As the characters descend deeper into the catacombs, they confront not only physical obstacles but also their own past sins, fears, and regrets. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the human tendency to pursue knowledge or ambition at great personal cost. The catacombs themselves serve as a metaphor for the subconscious mind, where the boundaries between reality and imagination dissolve, creating a powerful psychological tension.
Setting and Atmosphere
The catacombs of Paris provide a uniquely terrifying backdrop for the film. Filmed on location, the labyrinthine tunnels and ancient ossuaries contribute to the claustrophobic atmosphere, making viewers feel trapped alongside the characters. The filmmakers use tight camera angles, dim lighting, and shaky handheld footage to enhance the sense of immersion and immediacy. The oppressive environment, combined with the characters’ escalating fear, amplifies the horror elements and emphasizes the danger of venturing into the unknown. The setting becomes almost a character itself, reflecting the characters’ internal struggles and fears.
Found-Footage Style
“As Above, So Below” employs a found-footage approach to storytelling, a technique that increases tension by presenting events as if recorded by the characters themselves. This style allows the audience to experience the journey firsthand, creating a sense of authenticity and immediacy. The shaky camera work, realistic sound design, and limited perspective heighten suspense and make the supernatural occurrences feel more tangible. While some viewers may find the style disorienting, it effectively conveys the chaos, fear, and unpredictability of descending into an unknown and hostile environment.
Character Development
Character depth plays a crucial role in maintaining the narrative’s emotional weight. Scarlett Marlowe is portrayed as a determined yet vulnerable archaeologist whose personal quest drives the plot forward. Her interactions with George, a historian skeptical of the supernatural, provide a balance between scientific reasoning and mysticism. Ben, a cameraman documenting the expedition, and Papillon, a guide with knowledge of the catacombs, add layers of expertise and tension within the group dynamics. As the story unfolds, each character confronts personal fears and past mistakes, leading to moments of revelation, guilt, and, ultimately, transformation or demise. This character-driven approach ensures that the horror is not only external but also psychological, rooted in human emotion and experience.
Horror Elements and Suspense
The film skillfully combines psychological horror, supernatural elements, and claustrophobic tension. As the team ventures deeper, they encounter eerie apparitions, unsettling noises, and strange phenomena that challenge their sanity. The use of darkness, sudden scares, and disorienting spaces contributes to a pervasive sense of dread. Unlike traditional jump-scare-driven horror, “As Above, So Below” relies heavily on atmosphere, psychological tension, and narrative intrigue to engage the audience. The film also incorporates moral and existential stakes, as characters face the consequences of their actions and confront the darker aspects of human nature.
Cinematography and Visual Style
The visual style of “As Above, So Below” is integral to its storytelling. The film uses muted color palettes, flickering lights, and shadowy environments to create an ominous mood. The handheld camera technique allows for a first-person perspective, making the viewer feel part of the exploration and heightening the tension of confined spaces. Strategic framing of tunnels, staircases, and narrow passageways emphasizes the labyrinthine nature of the catacombs, reinforcing themes of entrapment and the unknown. Additionally, visual cues, such as symbolic graffiti or mysterious inscriptions on the walls, contribute to the narrative’s alchemical and mystical elements.
Sound Design and Music
Sound design plays a pivotal role in creating suspense in “As Above, So Below.” Ambient noises, echoing footsteps, dripping water, and distant whispers intensify the feeling of isolation and danger. The soundtrack complements the tension with eerie, atmospheric compositions that escalate during moments of supernatural activity or psychological revelation. The combination of sound and visuals immerses the audience in the catacombs, making the horror experience more visceral and impactful.
Critical Reception and Impact
The film received a mixed-to-positive reception from critics and audiences. Praise was directed toward its innovative concept, atmospheric setting, and psychological depth, while some criticism focused on the shaky camera style and occasional narrative confusion. Despite this, “As Above, So Below” has achieved a cult following among fans of horror and supernatural thrillers. Its exploration of alchemy, psychological themes, and claustrophobic tension set it apart from conventional horror films, influencing subsequent entries in the found-footage and exploration-horror subgenres.
Legacy and Influence
Over time, “As Above, So Below” has been recognized for its unique approach to horror storytelling. Its combination of historical intrigue, supernatural elements, and psychological exploration has inspired filmmakers to experiment with similar narrative structures and atmospheric tension. The film’s emphasis on character-driven horror within a realistic and immersive environment continues to influence the genre, highlighting the potential for innovative storytelling that blends intellect, fear, and cinematic spectacle.
“As Above, So Below” stands as a distinctive entry in the horror genre, offering a rich blend of psychological, supernatural, and historical intrigue. Its claustrophobic setting, immersive found-footage style, and complex character dynamics create a tense and engaging experience for viewers. By exploring themes of alchemy, personal guilt, and human ambition, the film transcends typical horror tropes, providing both entertainment and intellectual stimulation. Its legacy as a thought-provoking and visually compelling horror movie ensures that it remains relevant and influential in cinematic discussions, captivating audiences long after its initial release.