# Release of film Above the Below

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-film-above-the-below
> Updated: 2026-10-23T21:23:06.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Lionsgate has released the first trailer and official poster for the science fiction survival thriller ‘Above the Below’. The film, which Idris Elba co-directs with Martin Owen, stars Elba as mission commander Jackson alongside Caitlin FitzGerald and Hero Fiennes Tiffin.

The plot follows three astronauts who survive a catastrophic re-entry to Earth only to have their capsule sink into the ocean. Trapped deep underwater with depleting oxygen and no contact with mission control, the crew must fight to reach the surface. 

To enhance realism, the production utilized Pinewood Studios’ underwater stage for practical filming rather than relying solely on digital effects. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 4, 2026, with an earlier release in Australian cinemas on December 3, 2026.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-23: Idris Elba stars in new sci-fi thriller Above the Below

Idris Elba stars in and co-directs the new sci-fi thriller ‘Above the Below’, a survival story about astronauts trapped in a sinking capsule on the ocean floor.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/idris-elba-stars-in-new-sci-fi-thriller-above-the-below

### 2026-10-19: Idris Elba survival thriller Above the Below set for December 2026 release

Idris Elba stars in and co-directs the survival thriller ‘Above the Below’, following astronauts trapped in a sinking capsule. The film arrives in theaters in December 2026.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/idris-elba-survival-thriller-above-the-below-set-for-december-2026-release

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Cite as: Release of film Above the Below. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/release-of-film-above-the-below