Above and Below 2016

In the exciting and terrifying opening scene, a bus crosses the Iranian border, introducing us to the intrepid Scarlet Marlowe, portrayed by Perdita Weeks. As she speaks into her camera, she reveals her ambitious mission: to uncover a vital piece of history hidden within an ancient catacomb, a site that is on the brink of demolition by the government. Knowing the risks involved, she candidly admits to the camera, “They’ll have to catch me first,” asserting her fierce determination in the face of danger.

Scarlet’s quest brings her to the home of Reza, played by Hamid Djavadan, who is willing to assist her in this perilous undertaking. As both enter the catacomb, a sense of urgency fills the air; they must navigate quickly to avoid the watchful eyes of soldiers lurking nearby. Hiding from them, Scarlet’s resolve intensifies, as she begs Reza for just a few more moments to achieve her goal. Their stealthy endeavor takes a turn when they eventually uncover an inscription that leaves Scarlet in awe. In a moment of fervor, she begins to chisel at it, revealing a remarkable artifact known as The Rose Key, covered in intricate markings. The urgency escalates as sirens wail in the distance signaling an impending explosion. Reza urges them to escape, fearing for his family, yet Scarlet, compelled by the memory of her father’s lifelong search for this, refuses to leave without documenting it first. Just as the chaos unfolds, she narrowly escapes with Reza, and her heart swells with excitement as she proclaims that she now possesses the next clue to complete her father’s work.

As Scarlet progresses in her journey, she has a moment of reflection during an interview with her cameraman Benjy, played by Edwin Hodge. Here, she shares her precarious mission to locate the fabled Philosopher’s Stone, an object of myth reputed to possess the power to transform base metals into gold and bestow eternal life upon its possessor. The conversation turns somber when Benjy presents questions about her father, whose tragic demise looms over their expedition. Scarlet, clearly distressed, is hesitant to delve into the painful memories of her father’s past, which resulted from his own relentless search for the same secrets that have consumed her.

Relocating to Paris, Scarlet and Benjy pay a visit to the crypt of Nicolas Flamel, a name entwined with legends of alchemy and immortality. As they examine Flamel’s tomb, they discover that the grave robbers who once sought out the Philosopher’s Stone found only emptiness. Scarlet believes the secret to locating the stone lies within encoded markings on Flamel’s gravestone; however, her understanding of the language is insufficient. Undeterred, she resolves to seek assistance from an old ally.

In an unexpected twist, she breaks into a church, where she finds Ben Feldman as George, a dubious figure from her past. Their connection is shaky, but Scarlet’s urgent need for translation persuades George to help despite the precarious situation they both find themselves entangled in once more. Insistent on uncovering the truth behind Flamel’s tomb, the trio embarks on a harrowing adventure into the depths of the catacombs of Paris.

Armed with determination and a hint of madness, Scarlet and her companions plunge into the darkness of the catacombs, confronting the chilling reality of their surroundings. As fate would have it, a series of eerie and mystical occurrences unfold, escalating the tension within the group. Each member of the team is confronted not only by the physical dangers lurking in the depths but also by their own demons—manifestations of guilt tied to their past actions.

“Abandon all hope, ye who enter here,” Scarlet reads from the ancient inscription, highlighting the psychological horror that envelops them. As they descend further, malevolent encounters intensify, with the presence of a robed figure looming ominously in the shadows. The group’s strength is tested as they grapple with the truth of their fraught relationships, lingering regrets, and the ever-present question of what lies below.

What follows is an intricate web of suspense, with faces from their past emerging in ghostly illusions, forcing the team to confront their deepest fears. Papillion, a character played by François Civil, is particularly affected by the re-emergence of his friend Mole, who died under mysterious circumstances. The group barely escapes a series of deadly encounters that push them further into the depths of darkness, literally and metaphorically.

In an act of desperation during their darkest hour, Scarlet discovers the true essence of the Philosopher’s Stone, reversing the chaotic events set into motion by their motivations and desires. This revelation leads to a final confrontation with the haunting realities of their choices, leaving them with a singular truth: they are not just searching for treasure, but rather, they must come to terms with the consequences of their past actions. With resilience and a newfound clarity, Scarlet leads her remaining friends toward a glimmer of hope.

As they leap into an uncertain future, they hold hands and surrender to the unknown, believing that redemption from their guilt awaits them. Triumphant yet devastated, they emerge back into the streets of Paris, carrying the weight of their experiences, each changed forever by the ordeal.

The film concludes with a powerful reflection on their journey as Scarlet expresses the genuine desire for truth over wealth, ultimately revealing that her motivations transcended mere riches; her heart longs for understanding and closure regarding her father’s tragic legacy. “I want the truth,” she asserts, embedding a sense of hope amidst the horrors they faced. The audience is left pondering the delicate balance of fate, guilt, and the quest for salvation in the enigmatic depths of the unknown.