Decoding the Dark Depths of As Above So Below: An Ending Explained Guide

2014 saw the release of the found footage horror movie As Above So Below. The movie, which was directed by John Erick Dowdle, centers on a group of adventurers who go exploring Paris’s catacombs in search of a lost treasure. In order to give viewers a gripping and exciting experience, the film blends elements of mystery, adventure, & horror. With successful box office runs for films like The Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity, found footage horror films have become increasingly popular in recent years. This type of film is distinguished by its use of handheld cameras and a documentary-style methodology, which gives the viewer a sense of realism and immersion. Like these movies, As Above So Below uses found footage to increase the suspense and terror felt by both the characters and the audience. The protagonist of the movie is Scarlett Marlowe, a young, aspirational archaeologist who is committed to finishing her late father’s life’s work. Her father had been hunting for a fabled relic called the Philosopher’s Stone, which is supposed to offer immortality & change any metal into gold. In Scarlett’s opinion, the Paris catacombs hold the key to locating the stone. In addition to her cameraman Benji, a group of local guides, and her ex-boyfriend George, Scarlett puts together a team of fellow explorers.

Key Takeaways

• “As Above So Below” is a horror film that explores the catacombs of Paris.
• The plot follows a group of explorers searching for the philosopher’s stone.
• The film is filled with symbolism, including references to alchemy and Dante’s Inferno.
• The characters are complex and flawed, with their own personal demons to face.
• The catacombs of Paris serve as a haunting and claustrophobic setting for the film’s events.

Together, they make their way into the eerie and dangerous catacombs, where they encounter many obstacles and paranormal activities. The group starts to encounter weird and horrifying things as they go farther into the catacombs. They come across evil spirits, face their inner demons, and are compelled to face their worst fears. Before it’s too late, the characters must battle to survive and make their way out of the catacombs as the distinction between reality & a nightmare becomes increasingly hazy. Alchemical symbols are used liberally throughout As Above So Below, which is rife with symbolism. Alchemy was an old practice that aimed to achieve spiritual enlightenment & turn base metals into gold. The characters’ journey through the catacombs in the movie can be viewed as a metaphorical alchemical process where they have to face their inner demons and change.

The phrase “As Above, So Below” is used in the movie to symbolize the idea of duality. The renowned alchemist Hermes Trismegistus is credited with writing the Emerald Tablet, which contains this passage. It implies that thoughts and deeds occur in the physical and spiritual domains, respectively. This phrase suggests that the characters’ journey through the catacombs is not only a physical one but also a spiritual and psychological one within the context of the movie. The film As Above So Below features well-developed characters who go through significant character arcs. A focused and ambitious archaeologist, Scarlett Marlowe is troubled by her father’s past. Her willingness to face her fears & the repercussions of her actions grows as the movie goes on. Scarlett’s former partner, George, initially enlists in the expedition as a duty and obligation.

But as the gang encounters more perilous circumstances, George’s protective nature takes over, and he plays a crucial role in ensuring their survival. A sense of humor and levity is brought to the group by Benji, the cameraman. He is initially dubious about the paranormal activities they come across but ultimately comes to believe. He has a courageous and maturing character arc. Papillon and Souxie, the group’s local guides, are among the other members who have significant roles in the movie. While navigating the catacombs, the group explores the individual motivations and fears of each member. Over six million people’s remains are kept in the catacombs of Paris, a real-life underground ossuary.

With their creation in the late 1700s as a response to Paris’s overcrowded cemeteries, the catacombs have a lengthy and intriguing history. The catacombs provide a spooky & atmospheric backdrop for the movie As Above So Below. To add to the overall horror of the story, the cramped, dark tunnels evoke a sense of dread and unease. As the characters make their way through the winding tunnels in search of the Philosopher’s Stone, the catacombs also evoke a sense of mystery and exploration. As Above So Below combines a number of horror components to give viewers a spooky and exciting experience. Since the audience watches events unfold from the characters’ point of view, the found footage style of filmmaking heightens the realism and immediateness of the horror. To keep viewers on the edge of their seats, the movie also makes use of atmospheric tension & jump scares. With darkness & the unknown all around the characters, the cramped, dark catacombs setting heightens the sense of dread.

The terror in the movie is increased by its supernatural components, which include demonic spirits and evil spirits. These things are the characters’ regrets and fears come to life, and they act as physical challenges for the characters to overcome. Viewers have been debating the show As Above So Below a lot since its ambiguous ending. Scarlett appears to be stuck in an endless cycle when she returns to the catacombs’ entrance in the last scene. But she comes to understand that facing her own guilt and owning up to the consequences of her actions is the first step toward getting out. One could interpret the conclusion as a metaphor for Scarlett’s path of self-awareness and atonement. She is able to end the cycle & find closure by confronting her fears and taking ownership of her mistakes. Throughout its story, As Above So Below examines a number of themes.

Knowledge acquisition and its implications are among the central themes. Because of her unwavering quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, Scarlett & her friends are thrust into a perilous paranormal realm where they must face their own personal demons. The movie also explores the themes of forgiveness’s power, guilt, & redemption. Every character in the movie has personal regrets & guilt, which they need to face in order to let go of them & move on. Critics gave As Above So Below a mixed bag of reviews when it came out. Some criticized its lack of character development and reliance on found footage tropes, while others praised its atmospheric tension and unique setting. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie currently has a 26% approval rating. The movie received a more favorable reception from viewers, who praised its scary and suspenseful scenes.

Because of its distinct fusion of horror and adventure, the movie has developed a cult following since its premiere. As Above So Below is a distinct and evocative horror movie that blends mystery, adventure, and found footage. It is a unique addition to the horror genre because of its use of symbolism, well-rounded characters, and eerie setting. There’s no denying the movie’s influence on the genre, even though it wasn’t highly regarded. Exceeding the frontiers of found footage horror, As Above So Below exposed viewers to the unsettling and captivating realm of Parisian catacombs. It serves as a reminder that horror movies are capable of providing more than just jumping and gasping; they can also provoke deep thought & serve as important cultural allegories.

If you’re a fan of mind-bending movies like “As Above So Below” and enjoy unraveling their hidden meanings, you might also be interested in learning about the benefits and usage of creatine. In a related article, “How to Take Creatine,” you can discover the science behind this popular supplement and how it can enhance your athletic performance. Whether you’re a professional athlete or simply looking to improve your workouts, this article provides valuable insights on maximizing the benefits of creatine. Check it out here!