As Above, So Below Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of people get lost in some tunnels under Paris and blame their problems on alchemy.

🍿 As Above, So Below: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Quest Begins

Scarlett, an ambitious archeologist, seeks the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. She ventures to Iran to retrieve a crucial clue before it’s destroyed. Assisted by Reza, she narrowly escapes with the ‘Rose Key,’ hinting at the stone’s location. Reza warns her of the madness that consumed her father, who also sought the stone.

Decoding the Clues

In Paris, Scarlett enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend George, a skilled clock repairman and Aramaic translator. They decipher the Rose Key’s markings, revealing that the Philosopher’s Stone lies beneath Paris, within a hidden section of the catacombs. They also realize the location is somehow related to collapses that brought earth nearer to ‘hell’.

Descent into the Catacombs

Scarlett and her team, including cameraman Benji, and a group of Parisian catacomb experts led by Papillon, descend into the catacombs. Despite Papillon’s warnings, Scarlett insists on exploring a ‘bad path’ that was once a site of previous tragedy with 100 people being killed, leading them deeper into the uncharted and increasingly bizarre tunnels. The ringing of a phone and a randomly placed piano become disturbing signs.

The Treasure Room and its Trap

The group finds a treasure room with a Templar knight and inscriptions confirming the Philosopher’s Stone’s existence. Scarlett locates and removes the Stone, but Papillon’s attempt to break into the treasure room triggers a cave-in. The room is destroyed. Souxie’s arm is injured in the chaos, and Scarlett uses the stone to heal her. Mole is seemingly killed and the group is now trapped.

Entering the Mirror World

The team enters a section of the catacombs that is an inverted version of what they previously explored. They soon realize they have descended further down, not out. They encounter Mole, previously thought dead, who kills Souxie. They quickly realize the group has descended to the point of torment, as they see apparitions of their past mistakes.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Scarlett (Perdita Weeks): A driven and intelligent archaeologist, Scarlett embarks on a dangerous quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone in the Paris catacombs, grappling with her father’s legacy and her own inner demons.
• George (Ben Feldman): Scarlett’s ex-boyfriend and an expert in ancient languages and clock repair, George reluctantly joins the expedition, offering his skills and support while confronting his own past trauma.
• Benji (Edwin Hodge): The documentary filmmaker, Benji, accompanies Scarlett to record her exploits, struggling with claustrophobia and the increasingly terrifying events unfolding in the catacombs.
• Papillon (François Civil): A Parisian catacomb expert, Papillon guides the group through the tunnels, haunted by a past tragedy and ultimately succumbing to the catacombs’ dark forces.
• Zed (Ali Marhyar): A member of Papillon’s group, Zed is a skilled climber who aids in navigating the treacherous catacombs, eventually confronting his own personal demons to survive.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Scarlett: “As above, so below. As I believe the world to be, so it is.” – Scarlett explains her philosophy and how it relates to alchemy and the power of belief to Benji.
• Mole: “The only way out is down.” – Mole, Papillon’s supposedly dead friend, cryptically tells the group how to proceed deeper into the catacombs after they discover him.
• Scarlett: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” – Scarlett reads the translated inscription above a door in the catacombs, indicating that they are entering a dangerous and potentially hellish realm.
• Papillon: “No! It wasn’t my fault!” – Papillon cries out this phrase just before he is consumed by a burning car, revealing his deep guilt over a past tragedy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,321,100
• Worldwide Gross: $41,898,409

💥 As Above, So Below Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this movie in theaters and being genuinely creeped out. The claustrophobia was real, and the whole descent into what felt like a personalized hell was intense. I especially loved the scene with the ringing phone; it was so simple but unsettling. While it’s not a perfect film, it definitely stuck with me, and I still recommend it to horror fans looking for something a little different.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of found-footage horror movies”
  • “Viewers interested in historical mysteries and alchemy”
  • “Those who enjoy claustrophobic thrillers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Claustrophobia”
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Suicide themes”

Professional Reviews

• Bloody Disgusting: “Despite its found-footage format, ‘As Above, So Below’ delivers genuine claustrophobia and some intriguing mythological elements. While the shaky cam can be disorienting, the descent into the Parisian catacombs is a genuinely creepy experience. The film’s reliance on personal demons feels somewhat underdeveloped, but it still offers a solid, unsettling horror experience.
• The New York Times: “While the setting of ‘As Above, So Below’ is inherently terrifying, the film struggles to maintain a consistent level of suspense. The characters’ motivations are thin, and the constant shaky cam becomes more of a distraction than an asset. Ultimately, the movie fails to fully capitalize on its unique premise.
• RogerEbert.com: “The movie’s premise is intriguing, but the execution is lacking. The constant shaky cam and predictable jump scares detract from the overall experience. ‘As Above, So Below’ has moments of genuine terror, but it ultimately falls short of its potential, feeling more like a theme park ride than a truly frightening film.

Audience Reactions

The film’s claustrophobic setting made viewers feel trapped alongside the characters.: Many praised the film’s unique premise and use of the Parisian catacombs as a terrifying backdrop.

Viewers appreciated the blend of historical adventure with supernatural horror.: Some found the ending unsatisfying, while others appreciated its ambiguous nature and focus on inner demons.

Overall Consensus: A divisive found-footage horror film with a unique premise and intense claustrophobia, but suffers from shaky cam and underdeveloped characters.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the first ever production that secured permission from the French government to film in the catacombs.”
• “The film utilizes a set of narrow, winding tunnels of the Paris catacombs, complete with real mint skeletons creepily arranged centuries ago.”
• “The filmmakers aimed for a realistic and claustrophobic feel, using practical effects and minimal CGI to enhance the sense of being trapped in the catacombs.”
• “The actors had to navigate the tight spaces and darkness of the catacombs, contributing to the authentic feeling of the found-footage style.”

🖥️ How to Watch As Above, So Below?

As Above, So Below is currently available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can also rent or purchase the film from these and other digital retailers like Google Play Movies and YouTube. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules on cable TV.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed As Above, So Below, you might like these similar films:

• The Descent (2005): Both films feature a group of explorers trapped in a claustrophobic underground setting, facing psychological and physical horrors.
• Grave Encounters (2011): Shares the found-footage style and the theme of a group trapped in a location with supernatural forces.
• Catacombs (2007): Set within the Paris Catacombs. While different in execution, both capitalize on the inherent eeriness of the location.
• National Treasure (2004): The treasure hunting aspect of the storyline
• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984): Share the same concept of discovering dark secrets and ancient treasures beneath the surface.

🛒 As Above, So Below Related Products

• Paris Catacombs: History, Myths, and Legends: A comprehensive guide to the history and mysteries surrounding the Paris Catacombs. Explore the real stories that inspired the film and delve deeper into the city of the dead. Learn about the arrangement of the skeletons, the historical figures buried there, and the myths that persist to this day.
• GoPro HERO11 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with Front + Rear LCD Screens, 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1080p Live Streaming, Webcam: Capture your own adventures in stunning quality with the GoPro HERO11 Black. Waterproof and rugged, it’s perfect for filming in challenging environments, just like the explorers in ‘As Above, So Below’. Its compact size and ease of use make it the ideal companion for any daring expedition.
• Claustrophobia Board Game: A thrilling board game that recreates the feeling of being trapped in a dark, confined space. Players must use strategy and teamwork to survive against the odds. Immerse yourself in a world of suspense and tension, just like the characters in ‘As Above, So Below’.
• Catacombes of Paris Unisex T-Shirt: Wear the mystique of the Paris Catacombs with this stylish and comfortable T-shirt. Featuring a unique design inspired by the movie’s setting, it’s perfect for expressing your love for horror and adventure. Made from high-quality materials, this shirt is a must-have for any fan.

🎧 Soundtrack

As Above, So Below features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Sur La Planche 2013” – performed by La Femme

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

As Above So Below (2014) Ending Explained + Analysis

If you’re curious about what really happened at the end of ‘As Above, So Below,’ check out this video. It breaks down the symbolism and offers a thought-provoking interpretation.

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW (Explained)

Looking for a deeper dive into the themes and plot of ‘As Above, So Below’? This video breaks it down in a clear and engaging way.

The Hidden Meaning Behind ‘As Above, So Below’

If you’re interested in the deeper philosophical implications of ‘As Above, So Below,’ this video is a must-watch. It’ll make you think long after the credits roll.

Catacombs of Paris are bigger than you think

Curious about the real Catacombs of Paris? In this video, you’ll discover the eerie mysteries and hidden stories behind this famous underground labyrinth.

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