As Above, So Below

I was very surprised by this movie. I will be honest and I wasn't expecting much, as I am exposed to crappy horror films year in and year out. This isn't a perfect movie but this has many redeemable qualities that make it enjoyable, creepy and sometimes thought provoking. Director John Erick Dowdle creates a claustrophobic, damp atmosphere that will make anyone's heart beat fast with anticipation and slow when you, as the audience, are grasping for air just like the characters. The story is also interesting and really messes with your mind, to where it seems completely different than most average horror films. I think this is why the found footage style worked because it felt fresh because it was a different story. The director really nails the terror of claustrophobia and I won't be going inside a cave anytime soon. The acting is weak and that is one of my complaints. I didn't really care for them and their dialogue delivery, at points, was horrendous. So the terrible acting carries over from other horror films, but I will let it slide because of the premise. The cinematography was suspenseful and irritating to where I didn't want to see what was going on, but I couldn't take my eyes off of it. The found footage style worked for this film but most of it was shot in first person, which elevated the horror and anticipation through the darkness. The film is only an hour and half and the first twenty minutes are slow, but once they enter the catacombs I was hooked. I also have to point out that the sound design and special effects were top-notch and just added another layer to this messed up terror cake. Overall, I enjoyed it, a lot and I think it will gain a cult following. I will need to watch it again because it raised some interesting theories my roommate and I came up with. The acting and dialogue were the only things holding this nice little horror movie back. 7.5/10
(Review by Chase Lee)