As Above, So Below

Probably one of my favorite found footage films now. The Paris Catacombs reeled me in, the esoteric phrased title piqued my interest, and the central theme of alchemy kept me in my seat. This definitely surprised me, I didn't really know what to expect going in, only knowing that this was THE catacombs movie from what I've seen. We start the movie being introduced to our main lead, Scarlett — a relentless, obsessively driven alchemist scholar (?) who is seeking the Philosopher's Stone. Throughout her journey of finding the stone's location, she is driven to the catacombs. As all horror movies go, things go wrong. However, in this movie everything is structured in a way that defines Dante's Inferno. The catacombs representing the nine circles of Hell. The cast goes through a complete transform as they traverse Hell. Being faced with past traumas, being forced against their unresolved guilts. AASB explores themes of redemption, guilt and alchemical purification. They go through horrific shit because it's the process of transmutation (As explained in "AS ABOVE SO BELOW", a Hermetic text also known as the Emerald Tablet.) Scarlett in the beginning of the movie states that the Philosopher Stone can turn rock to gold. Meaning, that their souls itself would go through the same purification process as they seek upon the Stone. Another example of this would be when they found the Stone, and a room of treasure sat nearby, and once opened it would collapse. That was the test. It's surviving by letting go, and accepting their spiritual rebirths. The best parts about this movie are it's themes. As for the horror, it wasn't that scary. I loved every bit, but I didn't get scared once. Scarlett's character has some actual depth. However, she is still annoying. Though, I understand that her obsessive persistence is key for this movies happenings. Overall poor character development and a bunch of lore that goes mostly unexplained, which I can see one finding confusing if they know nothing about it. Very good film overall. I hope my next rewatch I appreciate it even more  • Story / Plot: 8.5 • World Building / Setting: 6.5 • Characters:4 • Writing / Structure: 5 • Performances: 7.5 • Craft / Presentation: 7.5 • Concept / Originality:8 • Pacing:7.75 • Ending / Resolution: 7.5 • Personal Enjoyment: 8.5 Average Rating: 7.00 Horror Rating: 5.00 Final Rating: 7.00