As Above So Below is a Misunderstood Horror Film
Credit to As Above, So Below (Movie Review) — Cryptic Rock
As Above So Below is one of those few horror films that I can’t believe wasn’t viewed in a different light. The first time I had watched this film, I was amazed by how scary and original the story was.
This film had an awesome premise, and the found footage aspect was portrayed in a genius way that made so much sense. I don’t get why critics hated on this film so much. In my opinion, it’s one of the best found footage movies ever made in horror.
We follow the story of a young woman named Scarlett that is determined to reach a specific treasure in a cave known as the Flamel Philosopher’s Stone. She learns that the stone is located in the Catacombs of Paris, and she leads an expedition to the catacombs.
Unfortunately for the group, they have no idea that they are going to enter the nine realms of Hell.
I loved this concept of the film.
I loved how every single member of the group had their own personal demons, being forced to face their trauma’s in life, in order to have a chance of survival from the nine realms of Hell.
I couldn’t believe how brutal some of the characters were killed, and the small glimpses we got into their backstories was so terrifying to think about. It’s incredible how they were able to pull off this kind of movie, when it came to the random stuff that was happening in the catacombs.
For example, they saw a burning vehicle in the cave, that involved one of the most disturbing backstories to one of the characters. I think he had left someone he knew to die, and he was dragged into the burning car as punishment for trying to run away from his sin, instead of facing what he did.
Another scene that really worked for me was when they discovered a random phone in the catacombs, waiting for one of the characters to answer. It was great horror, because you would never expect to find that creepy shit in the middle of a catacomb.
And when it comes to the third act of the film, it instantly goes completely insane, showing some of the best practical effects I have seen in a found footage film.
One scene that completely caught me off guard, was when Scarlett is trying her best to search for the stone. She risks her own life, going back into the most dangerous part of the catacombs, determined to save one of her friends. She literally swims in a river of blood, and also avoids the ground, that is suddenly covered in multiple humanlike mouths, and you can literally hear the teeth when they are trying to bite at her.
It’s some of the best practical effects I have seen in a found footage horror movie, and I freaking loved it.
Scarlett then comes across her father’s dead body, and she accepts his death, being able to finally move on from her trauma. She is then given the stone, and goes back to her friend, saving his life. The movie ends with Scarlett, and two of her friends surviving from their horrific ordeal, escaping from the portal of Hell.
I also loved how the stone had become a part of Scarlett, implying that she now had the stone’s power within her. It’s a great ending, and incredibly unique.
I’m glad that this movie has now developed a cult following at least.
It’s a memorable film that deserves to be seen by all horror fans.
How I regret not watching this movie in theaters.
Comments
Post a Comment