Under the Shadow

An Iranian horror hyped by Indiewire? What will it be like? Overrated? Yup. Although the film does have a serious socio-political-emancipatory storyline, it is drowned out by awkward dialogues and B-movie horror properties. The atmosphere of anti-aircraft alarms is appropriately oppressive, but the film, like all other motifs, uses it in a terribly tense and superficial way. The protagonist behaves like a model cow most of the time, and some of the actors mumble a lot, and one’s biggest fear is that the film will not end. The camera and sound are good, but it has only about two or three lighter scares. Nevertheless, the use adhesive tape to fight demons is inspirational. The second part has to take place in Yemen, or I’m not playing. (22.12.2016)

Good psychological horror, but I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t hoping for something a little more intense. It’s impossible to avoid thinking about The Babadook. And, when both films are compared, The Babadook comes on top. Under the Shadow has a calmer, creepy, scary atmosphere, whereas The Babadook was more hysterical and intense. Both feature a hugely annoying child (which is justified in both cases). The scares are effective, though relatively scarce. However, this film does evoke unpleasant feelings, even when there aren’t any djinn around. Thumbs up, but they could’ve worked a little harder. (30.10.2016)