🎬 As Above, So Below (2014)

As Above, So Below (2014) is a gripping, claustrophobic found-footage horror film that takes audiences on a terrifying descent into the heart of Paris’ infamous Catacombs. Directed by John Erick Dowdle, the film follows archaeologist Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks), who embarks on a dangerous journey with a team of explorers to uncover the secrets of the Catacombs, a vast underground maze that holds centuries of human history, buried beneath the streets of Paris. But as they venture deeper into the dark, labyrinthine tunnels, they discover that the Catacombs are more than just a crypt of bones—they are a gateway to their deepest fears, personal demons, and a terrifying supernatural force.

One of the strengths of As Above, So Below is its ability to blend historical intrigue with psychological horror. Scarlett, driven by her obsessive search for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, is not just uncovering lost treasures, but also confronting her own past and traumas. As the team delves deeper, the film expertly builds suspense by gradually revealing the dark history of the Catacombs and how it ties into each character’s personal journey. The connection between the physical environment and the characters’ inner turmoil creates a sense of dread that intensifies as they venture further into the unknown.

The found-footage format adds to the film’s immersive, first-person experience. The audience is placed directly in the shoes of the characters, feeling the same suffocating claustrophobia as they navigate the twisting, narrow tunnels. The dim lighting and cramped spaces add to the overwhelming sense of entrapment, both physically and psychologically. The atmosphere is thick with tension, as the Catacombs become a terrifying maze where the lines between reality and hallucination blur, and the characters are forced to confront the darkness within themselves.

The supernatural elements of the film are unsettling and visceral, with the characters facing a series of increasingly disturbing visions and encounters as they move deeper into the Catacombs. Each step forward seems to push them closer to something far more dangerous than they could have imagined. The film skillfully plays with the idea that the Catacombs themselves are alive, a haunting and malevolent presence that feeds on the explorers’ fears and regrets.

As Above, So Below is a terrifying exploration of the human psyche, set against a claustrophobic, historical backdrop. It’s a film that combines the tension of psychological horror with the thrill of an archaeological adventure, creating a unique and unsettling experience. For fans of found-footage films, supernatural horror, and psychological thrillers, As Above, So Below offers a journey into darkness that’s both physically and mentally horrifying.