As Above, So Below

OVERALL: Wow. This is exactly the kind of story I have wanted to see, especially in a horror movie. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Everyone go see it. It is truly an experience.

POINTS: Let me explain what I mean by this is “exactly the kind of story I have wanted to see, especially in a horror movie.”

This movie could have been the typical young people stumbling around, awakening an ancient evil because they are greedy/stupid, and then being destroyed by it. In that scenario you don’t feel sorry for the people cause they are so stupid. They seem incapable of learning or behaving like intelligent adults.

Not so this movie.

Yes we have a fun assortment of young people, all different types and behaviors. Yes there is greed and bad decisions, BUT! They learn. And what they learn is that this is a spiritual lesson.

Bad/selfish choices that were made in the past must be amended. So the characters learn to conquer their fear by reliving bad moments in their lives differently. It is as though the horror they are witnessing is a test of the emotional and spiritual growth of each character.  Can you admit your guilt? Can you make amends to those you have wronged? Can you rectify the bad situation you created? Rectification is a big point in this movie.

In a way, this movie is like a dark night of the soul story. Or even a retelling of the Descent of Inanna. When the characters can let go of their egos, speak truth, make amends, they are released.

It is a horror movie that is also a spiritual journey. Love it!

Dang what a movie!!!

PITFALLS: See Cultural Pitfalls.

FEMALE CHARACTER(S): The story revolves around our main heroine Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks) is in search of the Philosopher’s Stone. She is the central focus of the movie and when she makes her big realization and acts upon, well, I really liked her.

Scarlett began the movie as the typical driven woman who can think of nothing but her goal. She ends up coming full circle and growing. Not because of some man, but because of herself. Very cool. I like that she was also inquisitive and used her brain and will to solve problems and save herself.

Good job Perdita Weeks, of Magnum P.I. fame. You lead the movie well.

CULTURAL PITFALL(S): It’s hard for me to believe that an academic archaeologist woman would work in such movie starlet clothing, i.e., clothing that isn’t fully functional and is there to make her look beautiful. Just me. Also, Perdita Weeks needs nothing to look beautiful cause she is.

HIGH POINT(S):

1.) The karmic spiritual realizations I have talked about earlier. So made the movie WORTH IT for me.

2.) Plus the catacombs themselves are so very very cool. They actually did get to film in the real Paris catacombs and it is just fascinating to look at the scenery.

BECHDEL TEST (Website): 2 of 3. Not bad.

RACIAL BECHDEL TEST (Website): 2 of 3. Not bad.

OFFICIAL MOVIE WEBSITE:  As Above, So Below | Official Site  &  As Above, So Below – Wikipedia

DVD/BLU-RAY WORTHY: Yes

LION PAW PRINTS:  4 of 5. Finally a horror movie that comes full circle.

For horror movies only: HUBBY’S HORROR RATING. I didn’t hold hubby’s hand during this movie as we watched it at home. My guess it it would be a 10 for 10 painful hand squeezes. He enjoyed the movie too, BTW.

As Above, So Below Official Trailer #1 (2014) – Ben Feldman Horror Movie HD