As Above, So Below
As Above, So Below Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Movie Overview: As Above, So Below
| Movie | As Above, So Below |
| Release Year | 2014 |
| Director | John Erick Dowdle |
| Genre | Horror / Thriller |
| Runtime | 93 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is As Above, So Below (2014) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in As Above, So Below are led by Perdita Weeks . The supporting cast, including Ben Feldman and Edwin Hodge , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
As Above, So Below stands out as a strong entry in the Horror genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Horror narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, As Above, So Below has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: As Above, So Below
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2014, As Above, So Below is a Horror, Thriller film directed by John Erick Dowdle. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Perdita Weeks.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. When a team of explorers venture into the catacombs that lie beneath the streets of Paris, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead. Director John Erick Dowdle uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Perdita Weeks's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: As Above, So Below
As Above, So Below Ending Explained: Directed by John Erick Dowdle, As Above, So Below wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Perdita Weeks. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of As Above, So Below reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch As Above, So Below?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Horror films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Perdita Weeks or the director
- Want a few scares and creepy atmosphere
Box Office Collection: As Above, So Below
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $41.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
As Above, So Below Budget
The estimated production budget for As Above, So Below is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: As Above, So Below
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Where to Watch As Above, So Below Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoAs Above, So Below Parents Guide & Age Rating
2014 AdvisoryWondering about As Above, So Below age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of As Above, So Below is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, As Above, So Below is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2014 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is As Above, So Below worth watching?
As Above, So Below is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find As Above, So Below parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for As Above, So Below identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of As Above, So Below?
The total duration of As Above, So Below is 93 minutes, which is approximately 1h 33m long.
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How As Above, So Below Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for As Above, So Below
I'm giving this movie 10/10. It became one of my favorite movie & below are reasons why: First, it's original, different from other horror movies, which brings interesting story, where crowd of few people seek historic relic & treasure. Movie was very eerie & creepy, especially when they go deeper & deeper close to hell. Some very strong & intense moments. Atmosphere was also eerie cause whole movie happens in damn catacombs. If you have Claustrophobia I don't recommend to watch it. If you're fan of movies like The Tunnel(2011) or The Devil's pass, you gonna like it.
Great watch, would watch again, and can recommend. It is found footage in the catacombs of France so in addition to shaky cam and odd angles, it does feel really claustrophobic at points. If you were okay with "The Descent", then you're likely fine. This is based off of a real thing that people do, exploring existing structures, some lost through history, others unused, and even more that are assumed inaccessible from the the layman. Personally, instead of making these places a crime, people should be able to add infrastructure as needed, but it is the primer for the events of the actual movie. Chased down into the catacombs, they basically just keep going towards insanity. There are so many good points in the psychological horror of it all, and the great unknown of the caves plus random acts of terror makes a great formula for the events of this movie. Probably the best "philosopher's stone" story I've ever seen.
Expected very little going in and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. “As Above, So Below” will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The attention to detail in this film is impressive, with each scene meticulously crafted to create a sense of unease and tension while maintaining an internal consistency unusual in the horror genre. There’s a chance that this was lost on some viewers. Perhaps it’s just the found-footage fatigue. It’s a shame that the ratings fail to reflect the film’s merits; it’s one of the more inventive entries in the found-footage horror subgenre. The frights are expertly staged, with little reliance on cheap jump scares, instead creating a foreboding mood that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The setting, an underground maze of catacombs beneath the streets of Paris, adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere and gives it a unique twist on the typical haunted house tale. As a thriller, “As Above, So Below” succeeds on most fronts and should please audiences. It’s a must-watch for fans of the genre because of its meticulous attention to detail and expertly constructed suspense. Rating: 7.2/10 (Good)
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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