Under the Shadow

The film takes us to Tehran in 1988. The Iran-Iraqi war is coming to an end, but for Shideh the situation is still critical. Her background as an activist has prevented her from being able to work at the university. To make matters worse, she has a five year old daughter to raise and is married to a doctor who has been drafted into the army. That leaves the frustrated mother alone with her daughter in the apartment. One day a missile falls through the roof, and her daughter’s doll disappears. Shideh dismisses it as something minor, but it soon becomes apparent that there is more than meets the eye.

Under the Shadow should satisfy both horror movie fans and those who appreciate good quality films. It uses classic horror techniques and is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine, but it is also a sharp metaphorical comment on the situation in Iran and the terror that haunted the country in the 80’s.

Babak Anvari was born and raised in Iran, but educated in London. His childhood was shaped by the conflict that forms the basis for Under the Shadow. It is his debut film, and received raving reviews during its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January.