Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cool heroine in scary but uneven found-footage horror movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
As Above/So Below
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say that while this movie has some effective jump scares and a creepy atmosphere, opinions on its scariness vary widely, with some feeling it is appropriate for younger teens and others deeming it too intense for anyone under 16. Though it features some nudity and violence, several reviews noted that it may not be as gory as expected, and many emphasized its unique setting in the Paris catacombs.
- age recommendations
- varying scare levels
- unique setting
- nudity and violence
- effective jump scares
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
During a dangerous trip to the Middle East, young archeologist Scarlett (Perdita Weeks) discovers the key to translating a clue left by alchemist Nicolas Flamel about the possible location of the legendary Philosopher's Stone. With the help of her indignant but loyal friend George (Ben Feldman), who can translate, Scarlett discovers that the stone may reside in a secret tunnel in the catacombs beneath the streets of Paris. She finds a guide, Papillon (François Civil); along with his fearless crew and documentary filmmaker Benji (Edwin Hodge), Scarlett and George descend into the spooky passages. What they find there extends beyond any kind of history or alchemy and comes closer to a personal kind of horror.
Is It Any Good?
Filmmaker John Erick Dowdle (Quarantine, Devil) and his co-writer, brother Drew Dowdle, have assembled a collection of terrific ideas for AS ABOVE/SO BELOW. But unfortunately they've also chosen the inexpensive but played out "found footage" approach, which is useful for all kinds of sudden jump-shocks but also makes for a shaky, nausea-inducing viewing experience. Other annoying horror movie cliches turn up, too, including the fate of an African-American character.
But the good parts help make up for the weaknesses. Scarlett is like the child of Indiana Jones and Lara Croft; she's smart, brave, and adventurous and would be a great subject for sequels. What's more, her brains come in handy during tense moments, which is rare for horror films. The hunt to solve the puzzle and find the stone is mixed with some effective (if somewhat lazy) attempts at old-fashioned scares; ultimately the good ideas tend to outweigh the bad ones, and AS ABOVE/SO BELOW rises up as a decent effort.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about As Above/So Below's violence and gore. How much is shown, and how quickly? What effect do these scenes have? Are there any other scenes without gore? How effective are they?
Is Scarlett a positive role model? Which of her traits are worth emulating? Which aren't?
Is the movie scary? What elements were scary. and which don't work so well? Why? What makes a good horror movie?
What's the appeal of the "found footage" subgenre of horror? How would the movie have been different if it had been filmed more traditionally? How would this technique work on other kinds of movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 29, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : December 2, 2014
- Cast : Perdita Weeks , Ben Feldman , Edwin Hodge
- Director : John Erick Dowdle
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : bloody violence/terror, and language throughout
- Last updated : November 30, 2025
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