As Above, So Below (2014) is a supernatural thriller that blends the genres of horror, mystery, and psychological tension with a unique found-footage style. Directed by John Erick Dowdle, the film explores the depths of the Paris Catacombs and the darkness lurking within both the physical world and the human psyche. With a premise that mixes real-life history with mythological elements, the film creates an atmosphere of dread, tension, and unrelenting fear, providing an intense and unsettling experience for viewers.

Plot Overview

The film follows Scarlett Marlowe (played by Perdita Weeks), a talented and determined archaeologist who is on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone — a legendary alchemical substance said to grant immortality. The Philosopher’s Stone has been the object of obsession for many throughout history, and Scarlett believes that its location lies hidden deep within the Paris Catacombs, an extensive network of underground tunnels that holds the remains of over six million people.

Accompanied by a small team of explorers and her trusted guide, George (played by Ben Feldman), Scarlett ventures into the catacombs beneath the city of Paris, where they encounter a labyrinth of bones, hidden chambers, and dangers both physical and supernatural. As they descend deeper, the group is faced with their own personal demons and the terrifying realization that the catacombs are not only filled with the bones of the dead but also a malevolent force tied to their own pasts.

The deeper they go, the more they are confronted with their darkest fears, and the film shifts from a historical and archaeological search into a psychological descent into madness. In the claustrophobic and oppressive darkness of the catacombs, the line between the real and the supernatural blurs, and the team must face terrifying apparitions, supernatural forces, and their own buried secrets in order to survive and uncover the truth behind the Philosopher’s Stone.

Themes

As Above, So Below explores several key themes, combining elements of horror and philosophy to delve into deeper questions about human nature, fate, and the struggle for redemption.

• The Consequences of Obsession: Scarlett’s obsession with finding the Philosopher’s Stone parallels the way historical figures have sought immortality and power. The film examines how obsession can blind people to their own moral compass and lead them into dangerous territory, where they must confront their darkest impulses and regrets.
• Facing One’s Past: As the characters descend further into the catacombs, they are forced to confront unresolved trauma and guilt from their pasts. The supernatural elements of the catacombs serve as a mirror to their internal struggles, bringing their hidden fears and regrets to the surface.