“As Above, So Below” offers plenty to fans thirsty for the next ‘found-footage’ thriller. The film balances the tone perfectly thanks to a well written script. Aside from all the cliches, and predictable shaky cam techniques. I was still engulfed entirely in the film’s loose cannon premise.

 Once the opening title card proclaims “AS ABOVE, SO BELOW” after a frightful opening scene, I was expecting the next big dog pile to dump my negative thoughts into. All that aside, most of my loyal readers understand the true love I have for everything that screams horror. From the first time I laid eyes on a Wes Craven film, to seeing “The Evil Dead” remake that stunned me for life. This year in horror has had a fair share of entries. “Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones”, “Devils Due”, the very diverse “Oculus”, the horrible “Deliver Us From Evil” and now “As Above, So Below”. Upon exiting the theater, instead of being pissed and shaking my head at another failed attempt to get my blood boiling. I was actually…dare I say ..satisfied? yes that would be the correct choice of word. Featuring genuinely authentic performances, a terrific third act conclusion. “As Above, So Below” finds subtle balance in being terrifying, as well as avoiding most typical cliches horror films are adjacent to.

The plot is not ‘per-say’ original, rather a typical one in the same vein of “The Descent”. Also drawing parallels from every cave adventure to date. In the catacombs beneath france, a team of rag-tag american explores are searching for a mysterious treasure that will spoil them rich. Of course once they get underneath Paris, that’s when the fun begins to trickle.

Why do we watch a horror film? For the act of being scared. This film is no different. The characters life choices are going to question your sanity, as an audience member. Consistently yelling at the screen hoping they make correct decisions, instead they sit in their own thoughts waiting to be axed. These moments are apparent throughout the movie, but deep down the characters are somewhat smart-the script revolves around them, and their actions, rather than the other way around. This is where the film strives for perfection. Although there is, and I think most people would agree, too much exposition. As the film progressed eagerly towards the very, and I mean VERY, satisfying conclusion. There was a thought of “where are we going?” that grimaced precariously during the movie. Rest assured-answers will be given.

Not for one second did I believe some of the actions that take away the credibility of the plot. I love how one character says things like “We need to conserve light” and yet, they never run out of light…except when it needs to add an extra punch to a certain scene (as most horror films like to do) then of course..the light runs out. While most of the characters are throwaway, and are there for the sake of “we need to kill someone here to keep it interesting” which is totally fine. The best character though (and quite possibly one of the better female heroines of the year) in the form of Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks) who is someone that I aspire to be one day. Her tenacious audacity and inquisitive personality make cave lurking seem exciting. A character that is so well written, she actually knows the boundaries of her limitations IN A HORROR MOVIE. Jumping through hoops, punching things and diving through gallons of blood..if ever I felt the need to bestow a “real MVP” .. it would be this character. Sadly, she barely has anyone else that can keep up with her..character wise. Ben Feldman is the only noteworthy or mentionable (if any).

At the film’s best, it reminded me of the “Grave Encounter” films (Both on NETFLIX). If not for the drawn out sequences, or the amassed cliches..I would be praising the film higher. The cliches are not horrible-rather it’s just expected. However, the strengths outweigh the flaws. The terrifically real performances, and genuine scares that keep the movie in-check. Ideally they can’t all be “The Cabin In The Woods” who would expect them to be?. “As Above, So Below” brought me back to a time when I watched scary movies, to watch scary movies. Suspending all disbelief, buckling up my seat belt-and hopefully staying strapped in for the ride. There were a few rocks along the way but once the movie reached a halt, and stabilized it worked so well. I walked out with a smirk on my face..not because it was just scary. Because, it was a scary fright-flick that knew what it wanted. When you’re talking mainstream horror, that’s a very rare commodity to have.

B+

By: Nate Adams

Directed By: John Dowdle

Rated: R

Runtime: 93 mins

Studio: Universal Pictures

Release Date: August 29th 2014

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