Above and Below

Above and Below is a documentary that explores the lives of five individuals struggling to survive in harsh, desolate environments across the United States. The film follows Rick, Cindy, and Lalo as they navigate the drainage tunnels beneath Las Vegas, while Dave lives in isolation in the California desert. Additionally, the story features April, who participates in a simulated Mars mission located in the Utah desert. These narratives highlight the daily challenges and human connections found in unconventional and uncomfortable settings.

Directed by Nicolas Steiner, this was the first of two films he directed, followed by You Believe in Angels, Mr. Drowak? in 2026. The production was a collaboration between companies from Germany, Switzerland, and the United States, including Oscilloscope and Maximage. It was produced by Helge Albers, Brigitte Hofer, and Cornelia Seitler.

Released on January 22, 2015, the film has a runtime of 120 minutes. It has received a moderate reception from viewers, holding a rating of 6.6/10 on IMDb based on 476 votes and a 6.3/10 on TMDB from 16 votes.