‘As Above, So Below’ Finds New Life on Streaming

Once dismissed and largely overlooked, the 2014 horror film set beneath the streets of Paris is enjoying an unexpected resurgence. Thanks to platforms like HBO Max, ‘As Above, So Below’ has crept into the upper echelons of the streaming service’s most-watched films, a far cry from its original reception. The story follows Scarlett Marlowe, an urban archaeologist, as she leads a group into the city’s labyrinthine catacombs. What begins as a quest for discovery soon unravels into a nightmarish descent, with each member forced to confront their own private terrors. The film’s blend of supernatural elements and found footage style offers a distinctive, if unsettling, take on the genre.

At present, the film sits comfortably within the top 10 on HBO Max, with its position fluctuating between sixth and seventh place in various regions. This renewed interest comes despite a rather dismal critical response at launch—‘As Above, So Below’ managed only a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 78 reviews. Yet, over the years, word of mouth has steadily transformed its reputation. Online discussions and recommendations have helped the film carve out a niche following, particularly among those exploring horror for the first time. The film’s striking religious imagery and documentary-like approach have set it apart from the usual streaming fare, making it a talking point for viewers seeking something a bit different.

Streaming’s Role in Cult Status

The timing of the film’s original release may have worked against it. In 2014, the found footage trend was at its peak, with no fewer than 15 such films hitting cinemas that year. The format, popularised by earlier hits like ‘The Blair Witch Project’ and ‘Paranormal Activity’, had become somewhat saturated. ‘As Above, So Below’ didn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel, instead leaning into the conventions that had proven successful at the box office. It’s hardly surprising, then, that it struggled to stand out amid the crowd, its more inventive qualities lost in the noise.

Now, with the genre’s heyday behind us, audiences seem more willing to revisit and reassess films that may have been unfairly dismissed. Streaming services have provided a second chance for titles like this one, allowing them to be appreciated on their own merits rather than as part of a fleeting trend. The film’s unsettling visuals and psychological twists have found a new audience, many of whom are discovering it for the first time.

Reappraisal and Lasting Appeal

Whether this newfound popularity will endure remains to be seen. For now, ‘As Above, So Below’ is enjoying a moment in the spotlight, buoyed by a generation of horror enthusiasts eager to dig deeper into the genre’s back catalogue. The film’s depiction of a descent into both literal and metaphorical darkness, punctuated by moments of hope, has struck a chord with late-night viewers in search of a proper scare. Its journey from critical flop to cult favourite is a reminder that sometimes, all a film needs is a bit of time—and the right platform—to find its audience.