As Above, So Below
Scarlett (Perdita Weeks) is tormented by the suicide of her father in pursuit of his life's work - the search for the philosopher's stone. Following in his footsteps, she finds a clue that she believes will lead her to find what he did not. She calls upon the expertise of her ex, George (Ben Feldman) who reluctantly helps her. Her clue calls for her to enter the catacombs beneath the city of Paris, where millions of bones repose. George agrees to accompany her team only so far, but refuses to enter the depths with her. However, circumstances beyond his control compel him to go with them.
A local named Papillon (Francois Civil) knows the catacombs very well, and is persuaded to guide them.
At first all seems to go well. But they reach a blocked-off tunnel which Papillon refuses to enter, saying that people never come back from there. But again fate intervenes, and they find themselves heading deeper beneath the city, past a sign that reads Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter. They begin to face things they cannot explain, and their team is losing members. Now they aren't sure if they can get back to the surface, even though Scarlett has found what she believes to be the stone. Will it be their doom?
I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, but I was pleasantly surprised. Basically, it's like Dante's inferno, where they must descend through the nine levels of hair before they can emerge, must face their demons... and some will be found lacking. It's stylish and well edited and photographed. There is plenty of suspense and horror and mystery. I confess, I had to look it up to discover the Dantean implications. But what is repeated is As above, so below. And you have to go down to get out. All in all, I think it was well done and worth a watch. I'll give this film 4 Stars.
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