The film begins with Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks), an alchemy scholar and explorer, seeking the Philosopher’s Stone, an ancient artifact believed to have the power to turn base metals into gold and grant eternal life. She follows the research of her deceased father, who also sought the stone.
Scarlett assembles a team, including her ex-boyfriend George (Ben Feldman), cameraman Benji (Edwin Hodge), and others with various skills. They enter the catacombs beneath Paris, where they encounter strange occurrences and unsettling visions. As they progress deeper, they discover that the catacombs are not just a physical space but also a supernatural realm connected to their own fears and guilt.
The group faces a series of challenges, including collapsing tunnels, demonic entities, and illusions that force them to confront their personal traumas. As they descend further, Scarlett becomes increasingly obsessed with finding the Philosopher’s Stone and proving her father’s theories.
The journey takes a dark turn when the group realizes they are trapped in a psychological and supernatural maze. They confront manifestations of their deepest fears and regrets, and the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. Some members of the team perish in various horrific ways.
In a twist, Scarlett discovers that the Philosopher’s Stone is not a physical object but a metaphor for self-discovery and the acceptance of one’s flaws. The surviving members confront their own demons and guilt, and Scarlett reconciles with her past mistakes.
The film concludes with Scarlett emerging from the catacombs, having experienced a profound transformation. She leaves the catacombs with a newfound understanding of herself and the realization that the true Philosopher’s Stone is within.
“As Above, So Below” received mixed reviews, with praise for its atmospheric tension and criticism for its found footage format. The film explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the consequences of seeking forbidden knowledge.