As Above, So Below plunges viewers into the depths of the Paris Catacombs in a relentless search for the Philosopher’s Stone, transforming a historical landmark into a terrifying labyrinth where personal demons and alchemical symbolism collide. The film is, at its core, a psychological thriller wrapped in a found-footage horror shell, exploring themes of obsession, guilt, and the inescapable consequences of confronting one’s inner darkness.
The Descent: A Journey Into the Underworld
The film follows Scarlett Marlowe, a brilliant but driven alchemist, obsessed with locating the Philosopher’s Stone. She believes the artifact, capable of transmuting base metals into gold and granting immortality, is hidden within the catacombs beneath Paris. Driven by her deceased father’s research and her own insatiable thirst for knowledge, Scarlett assembles a team of explorers, each with their own unique skills and, crucially, their own hidden traumas.
The narrative unfolds through the lens of a camera, giving viewers a claustrophobic and visceral experience of navigating the tight, twisting tunnels. As the group delves deeper, the lines between reality and hallucination blur, forcing them to confront their past sins and face the terrifying manifestations of their inner demons. The Catacombs themselves become a psychological landscape, reflecting the characters’ internal struggles.
Alchemy and Symbolism: Decoding the Hidden Meanings
As Above, So Below isn’t simply a horror movie; it’s heavily steeped in alchemical symbolism and historical references. The film’s title itself, drawn from the Hermetic maxim, suggests a correspondence between the macrocosm (the universe) and the microcosm (the individual). This principle becomes crucial as the characters’ external journey into the catacombs mirrors their internal descent into their own subconscious.
Alchemical processes, such as calcination, dissolution, and coagulation, are subtly mirrored in the trials the characters face. The Philosopher’s Stone, the ultimate goal of alchemy, represents spiritual enlightenment and self-perfection. The catacombs, filled with the bones of millions, become a crucible, testing the characters’ worthiness to attain this alchemical “gold.”
The film also draws upon Dante’s Inferno, with the catacombs acting as a modern-day reimagining of Hell. Inscriptions on the entrance to the catacombs, such as “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here,” directly echo Dante’s work, further emphasizing the journey into darkness and despair.
Found Footage: Enhancing the Immersion and Terror
The use of the found-footage format amplifies the film’s sense of claustrophobia, disorientation, and vulnerability. The shaky camera work, the limited visibility, and the constant sense of being pursued create a relentless atmosphere of dread. By placing the viewer directly within the explorers’ perspective, the film effectively blurs the line between fiction and reality, making the experience all the more terrifying. The fact that the cameraman, Benji, is traumatized and claustrophobic adds another layer of realism and tension to the proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is the Philosopher’s Stone in the context of the film?
The Philosopher’s Stone, as depicted in As Above, So Below, is more than just a magical object that can transmute metals and grant immortality. It represents spiritual enlightenment and self-actualization. Obtaining the stone requires confronting and overcoming one’s inner demons and achieving a state of inner purity. It’s a metaphor for personal transformation and the unlocking of one’s full potential.
What is the significance of the film’s title, “As Above, So Below”?
The title refers to a Hermetic principle that suggests a correspondence between the macrocosm and the microcosm. In simpler terms, what happens in the universe is reflected in the individual, and vice versa. This is reflected in the film as the journey into the Catacombs mirrors the characters’ internal journey into their own subconscious and past traumas. Their external environment reflects their internal state.
Why are the characters forced to confront their past sins?
Confronting their past sins is a crucial part of the alchemical process and the journey toward obtaining the Philosopher’s Stone. To achieve enlightenment, the characters must acknowledge, accept, and ultimately atone for their past mistakes. The catacombs act as a psychological testing ground, forcing them to face their deepest fears and regrets.
Is the movie based on any real historical events or legends?
While the specific plot of As Above, So Below is fictional, it draws heavily on historical and legendary elements. The Paris Catacombs are a real ossuary, containing the remains of millions of Parisians. The film also incorporates elements of alchemy, Hermeticism, and Dante’s Inferno, all of which have historical and cultural significance. The legend of Nicolas Flamel, a historical figure believed to have discovered the Philosopher’s Stone, also plays a role in Scarlett’s initial motivation.
How does the film use the Catacombs to create a sense of claustrophobia and dread?
The film masterfully uses the physical limitations of the Catacombs to create a sense of claustrophobia and dread. The narrow tunnels, low ceilings, and limited visibility contribute to a feeling of being trapped and disoriented. The constant presence of bones and the lack of natural light further enhance the atmosphere of fear and despair. The found-footage format intensifies this sensation by placing the viewer directly within the cramped and unsettling environment.
What is the meaning of the symbols and inscriptions found in the Catacombs?
The symbols and inscriptions found in the Catacombs are primarily alchemical and religious in nature. They provide clues to the location of the Philosopher’s Stone and serve as warnings to those who are not worthy. The language used is often Latin or Aramaic, adding to the sense of mystery and antiquity. Understanding these symbols can provide a deeper understanding of the film’s themes and plot.
Why does the film use the found-footage format?
The found-footage format allows the film to create a more immersive and realistic experience. It blurs the lines between fiction and reality, making the audience feel as if they are actually exploring the Catacombs alongside the characters. The shaky camera work and limited perspectives contribute to a sense of vulnerability and disorientation, enhancing the overall horror.
What happens to Scarlett Marlowe at the end of the film?
At the end of the film, Scarlett achieves a degree of redemption and enlightenment. She successfully helps the remaining members of her team escape the Catacombs, and in doing so, confronts her own obsession and guilt over her father’s death. While the film’s ending is ambiguous, it suggests that Scarlett has found a measure of peace and understanding.
What are some of the recurring themes in As Above, So Below?
Recurring themes in As Above, So Below include:
- Obsession: Scarlett’s relentless pursuit of the Philosopher’s Stone drives the entire plot.
- Guilt and Redemption: The characters are forced to confront their past sins and seek redemption.
- The Dangers of Forbidden Knowledge: The film suggests that some knowledge is best left undiscovered.
- The Power of the Subconscious: The Catacombs act as a physical manifestation of the characters’ inner thoughts and fears.
Is As Above, So Below a truly scary movie?
As Above, So Below is generally considered a psychologically terrifying film. While it contains some jump scares, its primary source of horror stems from the claustrophobic environment, the psychological torment of the characters, and the blurring of reality and hallucination. The found-footage format further enhances the sense of vulnerability and dread.
What is the significance of the “Hole” that the characters descend through?
The “Hole” acts as a symbolic entrance to the underworld. It represents a point of no return, a descent into the darkest depths of the self. The characters willingly choose to enter this hole, knowing that they will be forced to confront their fears and traumas.
Who is Nicolas Flamel and why is he important to the story?
Nicolas Flamel was a historical French scribe and manuscript seller who, according to legend, discovered the Philosopher’s Stone. In the film, he serves as the inspiration for Scarlett’s quest. Her father dedicated his life to finding Flamel’s hidden laboratory and unlocking the secrets of alchemy, a legacy Scarlett is determined to fulfill. He acts as a historical anchor, grounding the fantastical elements in a semblance of reality.