As Above, So Below (2014) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
The ending of As Above, So Below (2014) sees Scarlett Marlowe escaping the Paris catacombs after a harrowing journey through a Hell-like labyrinth, only to emerge back on the streets of Paris with the Philosopher's Stone in hand. The film's ambiguous conclusion suggests she may have either survived or is trapped in a purgatorial loop, leaving her ultimate fate unclear. Themes of redemption, psychological torment, and the cyclical nature of sin and punishment are central to the finale.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
As Above, So Below follows Scarlett, a determined archaeologist, as she ventures into the Paris catacombs in search of the mythical Philosopher's Stone. The film blends found-footage horror with psychological and supernatural elements, culminating in a nightmarish descent into what appears to be a personalized Hell. The ending occurs after Scarlett and her team confront their deepest sins and regrets, with most of them perishing in the process. Scarlett alone reaches the Stone, which she uses to open a final door, leading her back to the surface. However, the final shot-a distorted reflection of Paris-hints that her escape may not be as straightforward as it seems.
The catacombs in the film are portrayed as a living, shifting entity that mirrors the characters' inner demons. As Scarlett progresses, she encounters visions of her deceased father and the guilt she carries over his death. The climax hinges on her ability to "confess her sins" and accept responsibility, a theme drawn from alchemical and occult symbolism (the title itself references the Hermetic principle of correspondence). When she finally grabs the Stone, the cavern collapses around her, and she crawls through a tunnel, only to re-emerge in the streets of Paris. This twist suggests the catacombs may have been a metaphysical trial rather than a physical place.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
1. Did Scarlett truly escape, or is she still trapped?
- She escaped: The Stone's power granted her freedom after she faced her sins.
- She's in purgatory: The distorted reflection implies she's in a limbo-like state.
- She's dead: Her "escape" is a dying hallucination.
2. What is the significance of the Stone?
- Literal magic: It has the power to transcend Hell.
- Metaphorical: Represents her acceptance of guilt, freeing her psychologically.
3. Why do only some characters die while others vanish?
- Moral weight: Their deaths reflect the severity of their sins.
- Narrative choice: Some fates are left ambiguous to unsettle the viewer.
Themes and Symbolism
The ending reinforces the film's exploration of guilt and redemption. Scarlett's journey mirrors the alchemical process of solve et coagula (dissolution and rebirth), where she must "die" psychologically to be purified. The cyclical imagery-such as the ouroboros (snake eating its tail) and the recurring phrase "as above, so below"—suggests that Hell is not a fixed place but a state of mind. The film's open-ended finale leaves room for interpretation: Is Scarlett free, or is she doomed to repeat her journey? This ambiguity aligns with the movie's themes of eternal recurrence and the inescapability of one's past.
Personal Opinion
As Above, So Below is a criminally underrated horror film that excels in blending psychological depth with claustrophobic terror. The ending is brilliantly unsettling because it refuses to provide clear answers, leaving the audience to grapple with its implications. Scarlett's "escape" feels like a pyrrhic victory-even if she survived, the trauma of the catacombs will haunt her forever. The film's use of real locations and occult lore adds layers of authenticity, making the horror feel visceral and intellectual. While some may find the ambiguity frustrating, I appreciate how it lingers, forcing viewers to confront their own interpretations of guilt and redemption.
Final Thoughts
The ending of As Above, So Below is a masterclass in psychological horror, using symbolism and ambiguity to create a lasting impact. Whether Scarlett's return to Paris is real or illusory, the film suggests that true Hell is the weight of our unresolved sins. By leaving the conclusion open, the movie invites repeat viewings and debates, cementing its status as a standout in the found-footage genre. Its mix of history, philosophy, and sheer dread makes it a uniquely chilling experience.