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As Above, So Below
2014 93 min United States of America R 18+
★5.5
Horror, Thriller
Director: John Erick Dowdle
Trailers
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Description
When a team of explorers venture into the catacombs that lie beneath the streets of Paris, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead.
Budget:
$5M
US Gross:
$21.32M
Worldwide:
$41.9M
Starring
Perdita Weeks
Actor
Ben Feldman
Actor
Edwin Hodge
Actor
Awards
1 win & 6 nominations total
Key opinion
As Above, So Below is a divisive found-footage thriller that is widely praised for its claustrophobic atmosphere and unique integration of alchemical mythology. While many viewers appreciate its departure from traditional jump scares in favor of psychological tension, others criticize the thin plot, implausible character motivations, and shaky-cam cinematography.
| Production | The use of the Paris catacombs as a setting creates a uniquely claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere that defines the film's identity. | |
| Originality | The film successfully differentiates itself from genre peers by prioritizing sustained psychological suspense and the deciphering of occult riddles over relyance on tired jump scares. | |
| Theme | The integration of alchemical and mythological concepts adds a layer of intellectual depth that elevates the narrative beyond standard horror tropes. | |
| Cinematography | Opinions on the found-footage cinematography are split, with some praising the realistic, immersive nature of the camera work, while others find it amateurish and overly shaky. | |
| Acting | Views on the protagonist and supporting cast are divided; some find the characters intellectually engaging, whereas others see them as generic, shallow, or lacking basic survival instincts. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay faces significant disagreement, as some viewers enjoy the fast-paced, riddle-heavy 'Indiana Jones' style of the plot, while others dismiss the narrative as absurd, thin, or driven by irrational character choices. |