As Above, So Below

As Above, So Below

Year: 2014

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: John Erick Dowdle

ThrillerHorror

Archaeologist Scarlett Marlowe leads a team into the Catacombs of Paris, seeking the legendary Philosopher's Stone and the promise of eternal life. Their exploration takes a dangerous turn as they become trapped within the labyrinthine tunnels. As they descend further, the team confronts not only physical peril but also their own personal demons, blurring the boundary between reality and a terrifying nightmare.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – As Above, So Below (2014)

Trace every key event in As Above, So Below (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Border Crossing

In a gripping opening scene, Scarlet Marlowe records her daring mission while a bus crosses the Iranian border. She expresses confidence about evading the Iranian authorities, humorously stating that 'they'll have to catch me first.'

Iranian Border
2

Urgent Caution

Scarlet visits Reza, who warns her about the urgency of their task in seeking the historical artifact. Despite her reassurances, the duo unexpectedly finds themselves hiding from Iranian soldiers as they approach the perilous demolition site.

Demolition Site, Iran
3

Discovery of The Rose Key

Amid the danger, Scarlet uncovers The Rose Key, an intricately marked bull statue tied to her late father's legacy. Unfortunately, their excitement is cut short when they hear the sound of an impending blast, prompting a frantic escape led by Reza.

Demolition Site, Iran
4

Interview Reflection

During a filmed interview with her cameraman Benjy, Scarlet discusses her quest for the legendary Philosopher's Stone. The somber conversation reveals the tragic history surrounding her father's past endeavors, ultimately leading to his death.

5

Investigation in Paris

The scene shifts to Paris, where Scarlet and Benjy investigate the crypt of Nicolas Flamel, known for his alleged possession of the Philosopher's Stone. They discover that the graves of Flamel and his wife have been raided, hinting at hidden truths.

Paris
6

Code Marking Theory

Scarlet theorizes that a code marking on the graves could lead them to the Philosopher's Stone. To translate these cryptic clues, they seek assistance from George, who has a complicated past with Scarlet but reluctantly agrees to help.

7

Caving into the Catacombs

As the group prepares to explore under Flamel's tomb, they are introduced to Papillion, a local guide. This leads them deeper into the catacombs, where the atmosphere grows increasingly tense as hidden dangers seem to lurk around every corner.

Catacombs, Paris
8

Facing the Past

While navigating the claustrophobic tunnels of the catacombs, the group encounters chilling rituals and memories from their past. Supernatural apparitions emerge, forcing each character to confront their haunting regrets, including Benjy's fatal fall.

Catacombs, Paris
9

Uncovering the Truth

Amidst the chaos, Scarlet discovers profound truths about her quest and her father's legacy. As supernatural forces threaten them, she realizes that acceptance of their burdens may offer the salvation they desperately seek.

Catacombs, Paris
10

Leap of Faith

In a pivotal moment, the remaining trio takes a leap of faith both literally and metaphorically. This act symbolizes their resolve to confront their experiences and the shared philosophy of 'As Above, So Below.'

Catacombs, Paris
11

Emergence Back to Paris

After their harrowing journey through the catacombs, Scarlet, Benjy, and George emerge back onto the streets of Paris, forever changed by their experiences. The journey has linked their fates in unpredictable ways.

Paris
12

Seeking Deeper Truths

In her final interview, Scarlet clarifies her true intention in seeking the Philosopher’s Stone. She expresses a desire to uncover the wisdom and essence behind the legends, stating, 'I want the truth.'

13

Legacy of the Philosopher's Stone

Scarlet's journey transcends the myth of the Philosopher's Stone, becoming a quest for deeper truths against the backdrop of her father's legacy. This exploration reveals profoundly personal stakes intertwined with the legendary pursuit.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:43

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Psychological Descent Movies like As Above, So Below

Characters confront their deepest sins and regrets in a nightmarish landscape.If you liked As Above, So Below, explore other movies where characters are forced to confront their personal demons in a nightmarish setting. These films blend psychological horror with intense survival, creating stories about facing the past to find redemption or escape.

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The narrative typically begins with a quest or journey that quickly turns inward. The physical challenges the characters face are symbolic of their psychological burdens. The plot structure is a downward spiral, where each level of descent reveals a darker truth about the protagonists, culminating in a confrontation with their ultimate failure or sin.

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Narrative Summary

The plot is straightforward: a group or individual becomes trapped in a confined, often labyrinthine space. The story unfolds as a series of escalating threats, both physical and psychological, within this limited setting. The narrative drive is pure survival, with a focus on the visceral fear of entrapment and the breakdown of group dynamics under extreme pressure.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core experience of sustained claustrophobia and high anxiety. They are united by their oppressive atmosphere, fast or variable pacing that mimics panic, and the central theme of being hunted or crushed by one's surroundings.

Unlock the Full Story of As Above, So Below

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As Above, So Below Summary

Read a complete plot summary of As Above, So Below, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

As Above, So Below Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in As Above, So Below

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape As Above, So Below. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in As Above, So Below

As Above, So Below Spoiler-Free Summary

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As Above, So Below Spoiler-Free Summary

More About As Above, So Below

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