Above And Below is a mesmerizing 2015 documentary film directed by Nicolas Steiner, which takes the viewers on an immersive journey into the hidden and often surreal world of those who choose to live off the grid and beneath the surface of the American dream. The movie primarily follows the unconventional lives of five people who reside in the vast and unforgiving landscapes of the American Southwest. These individuals include April, a former Medicaid case worker who now lives in a storm drain beneath the neon-soaked streets of Las Vegas; Dave, a skilled vagabond who walks the desert alone in search of answers to life's biggest questions; Rick and Cindy, a couple who live in a converted military bunker buried deep within the dusty hills of the Mojave Desert, and a passionate couple named Lalo and Susie, who risk everything to build a sustainable home on a toxic waste site on the outskirts of Salt Lake City.
As the film unfolds, the viewers witness these characters as they navigate their daily lives, each driven by a sense of purpose that might be hard for the average person to understand. The movie paints an intimate portrait, allowing the audience to walk in their shoes and experience the simple joys, complex challenges, and raw emotions that come with this off-the-grid lifestyle. This includes Lalo and Susie's constant struggle to transform a barren wasteland of deadly chemicals into a space they can call home, or April's ongoing battle with addiction and isolation, as she teeters on the brink of losing her only safe haven.
The film's breathtaking cinematography captures the harsh but awe-inspiring beauty of these desolate landscapes and provides a stark contrast to the monotony of urban life. As the characters delve deeper into their individual realities, the documentary also explores broader themes around the American Dream, capitalism, and the impact of human destruction on the environment.
The film is both meditative and visually stunning, offering a poetic depiction of America's sprawling landscapes and the people who choose to live far below the surface of the system. Linus C. Lee's haunting and cinematic score heightens the emotional impact of the film, while Steiner's deft directorial touch ensures that the storyline never feels contrived or forced.
Above And Below is undoubtedly an unorthodox film, but its poetic sensibility and beautifully drawn characters make it a captivating watch. The documentary is a meditation on the human condition and human resilience in the face of adversity. It shows that even in this world of conformity and societal pressure, there exists a segment of the population that is intent on carving out their own existence, free from the constraints of the status quo.
Overall, Above And Below is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that presents a deep-dive exploration into the hidden and often overlooked corners of American society. It is an evocative examination of humanity at the fringes and a timely reminder that we all have the potential to choose a different path for ourselves.
Above And Below is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 77.
