Inverted Horror: AS ABOVE SO BELOW (2014)

Six characters are in search of an exit after they become hopelessly lost in a labyrinth of underground tunnels while looking for fortune and glory. As Above So Below is a found-footage horror movie that inverts your perception, and ten years after its release, Via Vision Entertainment in Australia have brought it back to Blu-ray with a Limited-Edition release containing ALL NEW bonus material.

Scarlett is an archeologist in search of the Philosopher’s Stone, like her father, who died before completing his mission. This mythical object of alchemy, which is said to offer untold wealth and immortality, leads Scarlett and a group of explorers haphazardly venturing into the Paris Catacombs where evil itself waits.

I’m a keen explorer, but I mostly enjoy the activity vicariously, often through movies. As Above So Below is an effective lure with its heavy hints of being lost in a netherworld via a famous real-world location. The film’s inverted nature is achieved with clever camera tricks that present impossible dead-ends and mirrored chambers that seem immune to time. As our characters descend/ascend further, it’s clear we have crossed over into another realm as instances of the supernatural bring about a feeling of doom. Even geography takes on a more terrifying form, such as via a well that disturbingly resembles an esophagus.

Unfortunately, performances from the young cast leave a lot to be desired, none of whom really warrant much fondness, but thankfully the narrative and accompanying lore provide enough to keep viewers engaged throughout what is a brisk 93 minutes. It’s not difficult to guess whose demise will come next, playing on that common trope, which while overused, make these types of horror movies fun.

SPECIAL FEATURES

NEW Audio Commentary by film critic and author Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (2025)
NEW To Hell and Back – Video Essay by filmmaker and editor-in-chief at Dread Central, Mary Beth McAndrews (2025)
NEW Beyond the Catacombs – interview with actor Ben Feldman (2025)
NEW Shooting Underground – interview with director of photography Léo Hinstin (2025)
Inside ‘As Above / So Below’ – archival featurette
Theatrical Trailer

10 years seems to be a long enough time for proper retrospection and reflection from those who worked on a film and their critics, as proven in the featurettes included on this set. Mary Beth McAndrews’ video essay delivers an in-depth appreciation of As Above So Below, analysing its uniqueness as a found footage and “adventure” horror. The supplement is separated into different chapters, which helps keep the viewer engaged, along with McAndrews’ enthusiasm, of course.

Interviews with cast and crew always offer some great first-hand insight, and thanks to As Above So Below’s unconventional shooting methods and locations, there’s a lot for our subjects to talk about. Actor Ben Feldman, who plays a supporting lead role, reflects on the literal highs and lows he experienced while working down in the French catacombs and as being a part of such a small group of English-speaking production members. Meanwhile, cinematographer Leo Hinstin discusses how As Above So Below’s found-footage format gave him the unique experience of working close with the actors and even appearing on screen himself. – by Hannah Lynch

VIDEO AND AUDIO

I watched As Above So Below through a Sony 4K player, and with the auto-upscaling, I suppose you could say the picture was tuned up to eleven. There’s a noticeable difference compared to my go-to device of a PS4. The 1.85:1 image offers a nice level of brightness, which is convenient considering that most of the film takes place deep underground, in what would naturally be a pitch-black environment. However, a well-balanced contrast helps suspend disbelief.

My preference for sound has shifted to stereo in recent months, mainly because I want loud dialogue above all else, which the 2.0 LPCM track certainly delivers. However, the DTS-HD 7.1 surround gives you the full terrifying scope of the subterranean hellscape. Optional English HOH subtitles are included.

As Above So Below is partly an adaptation of Dante’s Inferno, but with headcams. While it does employ the gimmick of found footage, it’s a well-researched film regarding the historical context of what’s encountered and explored.

AS ABOVE SO BELOW
(2014, director: John Erick Dowdle)