If you thought the found-footage horror film sub-genre was entirely played out, think again. As long as people keep paying to see these films, and as long as the films remain incredibly cheap to make, they’re not going anywhere. So, if you don’t want to see any more, stop going to them.
The latest entry into the sub-genre is As Above, So Below, the first trailer for which was released today. It follows a team of archaeological explorers who venture down into the catacombs beneath Paris in search of hidden chambers. The result may or may not be the discovery of the gates of hell, or something like that. Whatever is down there, it’s scary and apparently angry about being disturbed.
As Above, So Below actually looks like a pretty solid entry into the sub-genre, although whether or not it can maintain the found footage element is slightly questionable. Who exactly continues to hold a camera while their friend is apparently dragged into a burning car?
Having been to the Paris Catacombs, I have to say that there’s no place so well suited for a horror movie. Miles and miles of human bones in a twisting and turning maze, it’s a creepy place even when following a tour guide. If As Above, So Below makes good use of it, this could turn out to be something more in line with the first Paranormal Activity and not, perhaps, the third Paranormal Activity. Good or bad, chances are that the film will make money, thus paving the way for at least three more sequels to come.
As Above, So Below opens August 15 and stars Perdita Weeks (The Invisible Woman), Ben Feldman (Mad Men), and Edwin Hodge (The Purge).
