As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....
I have a soft spot for foreign films, I always have. Ever since I made a point of learning about all aspects of film and became a student of it, before I actually became a student of it. Foreign horror films, especially. My favorites, by far, have been the French imports. Granted, there is a lot of wonderfully wicked horror out there, from around the globe. But the French seem to have a 'no holds barred' kind of mentality that is only matched by that of the Japanese. They go for broke, every chance they get and make the French seem tame. However, I've never seen an Iranian horror film. So when I heard so many good things about Babak Anvari's 'Under The Shadow', I couldn't help but want to take the time to see what all the fuss was about. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. What I got was a fresh take and feel on a genre that can tend to get bogged down in the same scenarios, time and time again. It's refreshing when you can experience a new voice in your beloved genre.
The film takes place in Tehran, during the 80's. It's a war-torn time, when the overwhelming odds of being bombed or overrun, is far too common place. Shidah (played by Narges Rashidi), is the mother of a little girl, who's been recently barred from continuing her med school courses. Her husband is a doctor and is called to the front lines, to be a medic. Left alone with her daughter, Dorsa, the conflict seems to be creeping closer and closer to home. Despite being away, her husband continually urges her to get out of the city and head to a safer area. Being stubborn and not wanting to leave her home, she and Dorsa continue to stay put. The children began to tell tales that there is a Djinn that is haunting the building. After Dorsa's beloved doll goes missing, she begins to tell her mother that it's been taken. As the days go by, more and more residents of the complex begin leaving. Shidah continues to hold her ground, partially because Dorsa won't leave without her doll. Soon, it becomes all too clear that they are not alone and that the Djinn may be more than just a children's story.
While 'Under the Shadow' may be a PG-13 affair, don't let that influence your desire to see it. This film takes a rating, that tends to be the kiss of death for American horror films, and uses it to its advantage. This film is all about atmosphere and building on not only the fear of the ghost like Djinn, but that of the ever present terror of war. This whole movie relies heavily on your subconscious fears and what you don't see. There's little to no blood and very few sequences involving the creature itself. Instead, you get a sense of oncoming dread, as the pot slowly boils towards an eventual climax. When we do get a chance to witness the creature, it's done incredibly well and I've never been so frightened of something that looks like it stole my mother's curtains. At times, it's very reminiscent of something you've seen before, but at others, it can be other worldly and off putting. I was not prepared for what this film had to offer. Even though I know very little about what was going on in Tehran, at the time this film takes place, I didn't need too. Babak Anvari gives you just enough history and cultural cliff notes, that you can gleam what was going on, with little to no background being necessary. That's the mark of a good storyteller.
If you decide to under take this journey into the unknown, please be sure to use the subtitles and not the American dubbed version. I know it's a small bone to pick, but the dubbing is horrible and doesn't do the actors justice in their performances. Everyone in this film is spot on in their portrayals of the various characters that inhabit this time and place. Also, this is a very claustrophobic movie, that primarily takes place in the apartment building that Shidah and her family live in. There are a few other sets involved during the run time of the film, but the majority of it is all interior shots of the complex. That's by no means a negative thing. The sense of almost being trapped by not only the outside world, but the Djinn, makes for a very uneasy viewing experience. One that would be serviced best, by watching it late at night with the lights off, the surround sound on and the volume up. 'Under the Shadow' is everything a well crafted horror film should be. Which garners it a 4 out of 5 star rating and is something I highly recommend that you invest your time in seeing. I promise you that you haven't seen a ghost story quite like this one and where as it may be walking over grounds that you've walked over before, that doesn't matter. You'll still find something new that you've never seen before. Buy the ticket and take the ride. It's worth the price of admission.
If you like this, check out: 'The Woman in Black', 'The Grudge' and 'Paranormal Activity'
