Above the Below: The first trailer for the new Idris Elba thriller is here
The star also directed the film alongside Martin Owen
In space, no one can hear you scream. Nor in the depths of the ocean. In the survival thriller "Above the Below," the protagonists learn this the hard way. The new film by and starring Idris Elba will soon hit theaters. And the first trailer already gives us a taste of what's to come.
As a movie fan, you can't help but think of Alfonso Cuarón's 2013 space thriller "Gravity," in which Sandra Bullock and George Clooney had to fight for survival in orbit. For the astronauts in "Above the Below," however, the disaster unfolds somewhat differently, with the drama playing out underwater. This is already made clear by the official synopsis, which was announced earlier: When three astronauts survive a catastrophic fall from space, they become trapped in the crushing depths of the ocean with oxygen rapidly running out. Facing a race against time where every breath could be their last, they must make impossible choices about who will risk everything to reach the surface and who may be left behind. Sounds thrilling, but see for yourselves. Here's the first trailer for "Above the Below":
Here's what Idris Elba has to say about his new movie
"Above the Below" likely derives much of its suspense from the claustrophobic situation the astronauts face. Idris Elba also places particular emphasis on this aspect of the survival thriller. In a recent interview with the website Collider, he explained:
"There's a real practicality to this film that adds to the claustrophobia and the thriller aspect of it. So I'm really excited for people to literally go on that journey with us, from space to the ocean, and be entertained, be thrilled, and be claustrophobic."
Who is part of the cast & crew of Above the Below?
Alongside Idris Elba in the role of Jackson, the cast includes Caitlin FitzGerald as Brooks and Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Rhodes. But Elba doesn't just play the lead role in "Above the Below." Together with Martin Owen, he also directed the survival thriller. Owen also delivered the story for the film. Elizabeth Morris, Matt Mitchell, and Vicki Sargent wrote the screenplay. "Above the Below" was produced by Matt Williams and Gina Carter.
Where do viewers know lead actor Idris Elba from?
Many viewers will likely remember Idris Elba best as the criminal Russell "Stringer" Bell from the series "The Wire." "The Wire" is repeatedly cited as one of the best series of all time. Elba's charismatic performance played a role in that. In the TV series "Luther," he delivered a compelling performance as an investigator over the course of five seasons. On the big screen, he has already appeared in several major franchises. Among other roles, he can be seen in "Thor," "Star Trek Beyond," and "Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw," and he provided his voice for the animated hit "Zootopia." Most recently, he appeared as Man-At-Arms in the He-Man adaptation "Masters of the Universe." That said, in the case of "Masters of the Universe," it's clear that even a top-tier actor like Elba wasn't enough to win us over, as you can read in the META movie review on KinoCheck.
When does Above the Below hit theaters?
It remains to be seen whether things will be any different with Elba's new movie. Soon, however, you'll be able to see for yourself whether this survival thriller can deliver. "Above the Below" hits theaters on December 4, 2026.