As Above So Below: Descending into the Unseen

As Above So Below – A Found Footage exploration of faith, obsession, and the terrifying depths of human history.

Introduction: Journey into the Catacombs

Prepare yourself for a descent into the unknown with “As Above So Below,” a chilling found footage horror film that blends historical mystery with visceral terror. This movie isn’t just about exploring ancient ruins; it’s about a desperate quest for answers that leads a group of researchers into the darkest, most literal depths of human history and the human psyche.

From the bustling streets of Paris to the labyrinthine darkness beneath, “As Above So Below” takes audiences on a claustrophobic and psychologically unnerving ride. If you’re looking for a film that challenges your perceptions and leaves you questioning what lies beneath the surface, then this is a journey worth taking.

Plot Synopsis

“As Above So Below” follows Scarlett Marlowe, a brilliant but disgraced historian obsessed with finding the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary alchemical artifact rumored to grant immortality. Her quest is driven by the belief that her late father, a renowned historian himself, died in pursuit of this very same object. Scarlett deciphers clues from ancient texts, including her father’s journals, which point her towards the catacombs of Paris, a vast and largely unexplored ossuary holding the remains of millions.

To aid her expedition, Scarlett enlists the help of her ex-boyfriend and skilled artifact hunter, George, who harbors guilt over a past incident involving stolen artifacts. She also brings along Ben, a documentarian who is tasked with filming their journey, and his friend Southerton, a cryptologist and explosives expert. Their initial goal is to locate a specific chamber within the catacombs believed to be connected to the mythical artifact. However, as they delve deeper, their expedition takes a terrifying turn.

The catacombs are not merely a tomb but a labyrinth mirroring the very levels of hell described in Dante’s Inferno. Strange occurrences begin to plague the group: apparitions of lost loved ones, whispers that echo their deepest fears, and traps that are not just physical but also psychological. The deeper they go, the more the catacombs seem to reflect their personal traumas and inner demons, making escape increasingly impossible. The group becomes trapped, forced to confront their sins and regrets in a hallucinatory and dangerous environment where the lines between reality and nightmare blur.

Cast and Characters

• Perdita Weeks as Scarlett Marlowe
• Ben Feldman as Ben Weixler
• Edwin Hodge as Danny
• François Civil as Papillon
• Marion Lambert as La Flèche
• Sam Neill as Lord (Scarlett’s Father)

As Above So Below Trailer

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Release Date and Details

• Original Release Date: August 29, 2014 (United States)
• Directed by: John Erick Dowdle
• Written by: Drew Dowdle, John Erick Dowdle
• Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

“As Above So Below” is more than just a horror film; it’s an exploration of the human condition, where the greatest monsters are often the ones we carry within ourselves. If you enjoyed the claustrophobic dread of films like “The Descent” or the historical intrigue of “National Treasure” with a dark, supernatural twist, then this film will certainly resonate with you. Be prepared for a disorienting and unsettling experience that will linger long after the credits roll.

10 Little-Known Production Facts and Easter Eggs for As Above So Below (2014)

1. The first film granted full access to the Paris Catacombs

Most productions use sets or very limited access tunnels. As Above So Below was the first narrative feature given access to film deep inside the real Paris Catacombs. This meant no large lighting rigs, no generators, no safety rails, and no cell service. The cast and crew had to carry all gear by hand, often crawling through tight, uneven spaces.

2. The actors operated their own cameras

To preserve the found-footage authenticity, the cast wore helmet cameras, chest rigs, and handheld setups. They were responsible for framing, focus, light levels, and movement while acting. In the cramped tunnels, retakes were difficult, so many shots had to work on the first or second attempt.

3. Many of the bones on screen are real

The Paris Catacombs contain the remains of over six million people, and the production had to follow strict ossuary rules. While they could not disturb or rearrange the remains, many of the skulls and bones visible in the background are genuine, adding an unsettling realism to the film.

4. The catacombs were cold, wet, and physically demanding

The tunnels stay at around 14°C (57°F) year-round and are often muddy, slippery, and uneven. Low ceilings and tight passages made movement difficult. Several cast members reportedly bruised ribs, knees, and elbows during crawling and scrambling scenes.

5. The descent structure mirrors Dante’s Inferno

The film’s “descending deeper” structure is intentionally modeled on Dante’s Inferno. Each level of the catacombs loosely corresponds to a different circle of hell, turning Scarlett’s journey into a literal and symbolic descent. The deeper they go, the more personal and punishing the manifestations become.

6. The Philosopher’s Stone and alchemy references

The “stone of life” that Scarlett seeks is a clear nod to the Philosopher’s Stone of alchemical lore. The film quietly ties together Nicolas Flamel, alchemy, and Dante, using the stone as a metaphor for enlightenment, self-reflection, and confronting guilt. The idea that the stone is a kind of mirror fits with Hermetic and alchemical symbolism.

7. The cult scene was shot in a real underground chamber

The chanting cultists appear in a chamber known to urban explorers as a site for underground gatherings, including illegal parties and secret meetings. The production had to adapt the space for filming and then restore it afterward, working within the constraints of an already heavily used and monitored location.

8. The French government imposed strict filming rules

Filming in the catacombs came with strict regulations: no damaging or moving bones, no touching certain walls, no open flames, and no loud heavy equipment. These limitations forced the filmmakers to get creative with portable lighting, compact sound gear, and minimal physical impact on the environment.

9. On-location sound shaped the film’s atmosphere

The sound team recorded real tunnel acoustics, including natural echoes, dripping water, distant footsteps, and airflow. These on-location recordings were layered into the final mix, giving the film its distinctive claustrophobic soundscape that feels grounded in the physical space of the catacombs.

10. The narrow crawl sequence triggered real panic

Some of the most intense reactions in the narrow crawl scenes were partly genuine. Cast members experienced claustrophobia, panic, and shortness of breath while wedged into tight spaces. The production leaned into these authentic responses to heighten the tension and realism of the sequence.

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