Subgenre: Supernatural | Found FootageÂ
Underlying Element: mystery | madness & paranoia
Director: John Erick Dowdle
Synopsis:
This movie is about an archaeologist’s hunt for the Philosopher’s Stone and their group’s great escape from the catacombs in Paris.
Analysis:
As Above, So Below (2014) is a claustrophobia-inducing horror film. The mere fact that 95% of the movie is set in the creepy catacombs is enough to make viewers feel claustrophobic. It also follows a found-footage style so the tight-space scenes are a bit dizzying to watch.
The found-footage format makes audiences feel like they are a part of the nightmare, a part of the group winding down the tunnels. The different points of view from the characters give off a different vibe every time. It's also creative how they used the quest for the Philosopher's Stone to pull off a Dante's Inferno depiction of hell.Â
Aside from that, the scares are really good in this movie. There are several jump scares that will really catch the audience off guard. There are also several scenes with blood and gore. This movie is one literal hell of a ride. It is all sorts of creepy, insanely weird, and plays tricks with your mind. Especially the ending.
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