UNDER THE SHADOW: Iranian Horror Film Takes on Politics and Poltergeists - Sundance Review
Under the Shadow takes place in Tehran, Iran in 1988, right at the height of the Iran-Iraq War, which is an interesting setting for a horror film. After being denied re-entry into medical school because of her past political activity, Shideh (Narges Rashidi) finds out her husband is being sent to fight in the war, leaving Shideh and their daughter Dorsa on their own as air raids threaten to destroy their apartment and city.
After Dorsa's doll goes missing, she becomes ill and is convinced her favorite toy was taken by djinn, supernatural spirits from Arabic and Islamic mythology who are said to possess those they steal from. Shideh is, of course, skeptical of this excuse and brushes it off as a fairytale meant to scare children. All the while, the air raids are drawing closer and everyone in their apartment building leaves to escape the war, leaving Shideh and Dorsa on their own. At this point, Shideh realizes they need to get out, but if they don't find the doll, the djinn will follow Dorsa wherever they go.
While this film doesn't do anything new or unconventional in terms of horror, the combination of external and internal tension is unique. The social commentary on the events going on during this time provide insight into Shideh's development as a character. She is headstrong and independent, exhausted by being told what she can and cannot do. Her reluctance to leave her apartment is justified by her reluctance to leave the only place where she is truly independent; where, at the very least, she can wear a tank top if she wants.
I really enjoyed this film, and it reminded me a lot of The Babadook, another foreign horror film that came out a couple years ago. True horror fans may find this film tame, maybe even boring, but a casual moviegoer who likes suspense without a lot of gore should definitely give this one a shot when it hits Netflix.