Under the Shadow

The Next Reel Film Podcast

“You know, if they take a personal belonging, something that you treasure, then there’s no escape from them. You’ll be marked and they’ll always know how to find you.”
Uncovering the Horrors of War and Gender Inequality

Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari's directorial debut, Under the Shadow, hit the festival circuit in 2016, garnering critical acclaim and numerous awards. Set in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, this Persian-language horror film delves into the personal and societal struggles of a mother and daughter as they face both the terrors of war and the oppression of gender inequality. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the Ghost Stories series with a conversation about Under the Shadow.

Peeling Back the Layers of Fear

From the ever-present threat of war to the social horror of gender inequality, Anvari masterfully weaves together a tapestry of terror that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. We discuss how the film's supernatural elements, in the form of malevolent spirits known as djinn, serve as a metaphor for the protagonist's internal struggles and the trauma she faces.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the powerful performances of the film's lead actors, particularly Narges Rashidi as the mother, Shideh. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with the loss of her dreams and the pressures of motherhood in a war-torn, patriarchal society is both haunting and inspiring. We also touch on the film's effective use of sound design and cinematography to create an atmosphere of unease and dread.

Digging Deeper into the Discussion

• The symbolism of the doll as a representation of Shideh's maternal instincts and her daughter's need for protection
• The ambiguity surrounding the origins of the djinn and their connection to the characters' trauma
• The film's commentary on the psychological effects of war and oppression on individuals and society
• The open-ended nature of the film's conclusion and its implications for the characters' futures

Unveiling the Significance of Under the Shadow

Under the Shadow is a testament to the power of horror cinema to explore complex social and political issues. By blending the supernatural with the all-too-real horrors of war and gender inequality, Anvari has crafted a film that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the clarity of certain plot points, we ultimately find Under the Shadow to be a compelling and essential addition to the canon of international horror cinema. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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