Above and Below

Above and Below

Year: 2016

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: Nicolas Steiner

AdventureDramaMysteryFamilyDocumentary

A diverse group of characters pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms, their lives intersecting in unexpected ways. Their journeys take them from the hidden flood channels beneath Las Vegas to a secluded desert bunker and even to the edge of Mars. As they face dangerous situations, they forge surprising connections and confront the realities of survival and human connection in extraordinary locations.

Above and Below (2016) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Above and Below (2016) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a world where hidden waterways snake beneath the neon glare of Las Vegas, an uncharted desert bunker shelters secrets no one expected, and humanity’s reach brushes the thin atmosphere at the edge of Mars, a disparate group of strangers finds their lives inexplicably intertwined. Each individual arrives with their own purpose—some chasing forgotten histories, others fleeing the confines of ordinary existence—yet all are drawn together by a shared urge to test the limits of what is possible and what it means to truly survive.

The film’s tone balances breath‑holding tension with moments of fragile tenderness, casting the stark, almost surreal environments as both obstacles and mirrors for the characters’ inner landscapes. The flood‑filled tunnels beneath the desert city pulse with a claustrophobic rhythm, while the barren bunker offers a bleak sanctuary where time seems to stretch. Above it all, the cold expanse of the Martian horizon glints with a promise of revelation, each setting echoing the characters’ yearning for connection in places that seem designed to keep them apart.

Against this backdrop, the ensemble—each bearing distinct skills, doubts, and hidden pasts—forms uneasy alliances that evolve into something deeper than mere cooperation. Their interactions are marked by quiet humor, whispered confessions, and the occasional flash of daring, as they navigate danger and wonder alike. Through the lens of survival, the story explores how extreme circumstances can strip away pretense, exposing raw humanity and the unexpected bonds that can flourish when people are forced to look both above and below their own horizons.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 04:00

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Isolation Survival Thrillers like Above and Below

Characters pushed to their mental and physical limits while cut off from the world.Movies like Above and Below where characters are pushed to their limits in extreme, isolated settings. If you enjoyed the high-stakes survival and psychological strain of facing dangerous situations in hidden locations, you'll find similar tense and haunting stories here.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow individuals or small groups thrust into hostile, isolated environments—be it underground, in space, or in the wilderness. The narrative unfolds as a dual battle: one against the tangible threats of the environment, and another against the internal demons of fear, guilt, and paranoia that isolation magnifies.

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Archeological Quests with Psychological Depth like Above and Below

High-stakes expeditions where the greatest danger is the baggage the explorers carry.Find movies similar to Above and Below that blend dangerous exploration with deep psychological themes. If you liked the combination of an archeological quest, confronting the past, and the haunting feeling of psychological horror, these complex and emotionally heavy stories are for you.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a driven individual or team embarking on a perilous mission that holds a personal, often painful, significance. As they delve deeper into the physical unknown—ancient ruins, uncharted territory—they simultaneously unearth buried memories and regrets. The plot's complexity comes from weaving the external adventure with a layered internal character arc, where success is measured not just in tangible rewards but in emotional resolution.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their complex narratives that merge physical adventure with psychological depth. They share a bittersweet or heavy ending feel, a fast pacing driven by both external danger and internal revelation, and a consistent focus on themes like grief, loss, and the consequences of obsession.

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Above and Below Summary

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Above and Below Summary

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Above and Below Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Above and Below

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Above and Below

Above and Below Ending Explained

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More About Above and Below

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