Under The Shadow

Director: Babak AnvariIran, UK, Jordan 201684 minutesFSK 18 (unchecked)

Ostentor CinemaSat. 24.09.201620:30

That is what it is about

Tehran, sometime in the 1980s: War is raging outside and Sideh has to realise that the past is threatening to catch up with her. Gone are the dreams of achieving something as a doctor and leading a successful life. When Sideh's husband is called to the front, she is left alone with her daughter... something dark and sinister remains with her. At first palpable as a quiet unease, the raging nightmare soon seeks the lives of the family.

What you should know

Political metaphors in horror films are as old as the genre itself. But some films in particular manage to stand out from the mass of productions that appear every year. Anvari's directorial debut is often compared to BABADOOK. Much of this is true, but one loses sight of the fact that UNDER THE SHADOW is a radical and deeply disturbing representative of his guild. A ghost film so independent and ingenious that any comparison seems inadmissible.

Original title: Under The Shadow

Rights holder: XYZ, The Festival Agency

Language: Original with English subtitles

Cast: Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi

Film Festivals: Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival , South by Southwest Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival

Direction

Babak Anvari grew up in Iran in the 80s, but now lives in England. Exciting and novel films are made between these two cultural worlds, such as most recently A GIRL WALKS HOME ALONE AT NIGHT. With his directorial debut, however, Anvari takes a different path than his fellow directors and does not shy away from combining the classic horror film with Middle Eastern mythology. A brave and right decision! Anvari is rightly celebrated worldwide for his debut.