Little-known Netflix horror is 'certified fresh' with 5-star rating
For those who enjoy a good scare, Netflix has a hidden gem that's been described as a future horror movie classic. Under The Shadow, with its rave reviews, is definitely worth your time.
This unique horror film is set in 1980s post-revolutionary Tehran during the war. It follows the story of medical student Shideh, barred from continuing her studies, and her daughter Dorsa, left alone after her husband is drafted into military service. Most of the film unfolds within their apartment, amidst falling missiles.
A superstitious neighbour suggests that the bombs carry cursed spirits. Soon, Shideh becomes convinced that a supernatural entity is possessing her daughter, leading to a struggle against both natural and supernatural forces.
Despite its unique premise, the film still delivers classic horror thrills - sudden window breaks or even a popping toaster are enough to make you jump and keep you on edge for a nerve-wracking hour and a half, reports the Mirror US.
The film's cinematography, released in 2016, sets it apart, leaving viewers thoroughly unnerved and questioning which horrors are real and which are imagined.
Under The Shadow marks the directorial debut of British-Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari, paving the way for his subsequent releases - Wounds, starring Armie Hammer and Dakota Johnson, and I Came By, featuring George MacKay and Hugh Bonneville.
The film Under the Shadow garnered widespread acclaim, boasting an impressive 99% 'certified fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Observer film critic Mark Kermode showered it with praise, awarding it five stars and writing: "With this terrific feature debut, Anvari lifts the veil on his heroines' hidden lives and leaves us all dreaming with our eyes wide open."
Selected as the British entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, the Persian language film received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. However, some audience members were more divided.
One viewer gave the film three stars on Google Reviews, stating: "Under the Shadow is a unique blend of horror and historical context. While it had its moments of brilliance, I can't help but feel that it didn't fully live up to its potential."
In contrast, another reviewer awarded it five stars, writing: "Wow. just amazing. A perfect example of a well-written, directed movie. The acting, VFX, sound design and production design etc are worth mentioning. Watch it on a cold dark night, when you are alone, this gave me a real chill.
""The brilliance is that, for a normal audience, it's a scary, horror movie, but, for those who search beyond, there are metaphors and beyond just a horror movie. ".
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