Under the Shadow

Under the Shadow

Year: 2016

Runtime: 84 min

Language: Persian

Director: Babak Anvari

ThrillerHorror

As the Iran-Iraq war rages on, Shideh's life descends into chaos when her husband is drafted, leaving her to protect their young daughter Dorsa. But after a mysterious missile strike, Shideh's world is turned upside down by eerie events and her daughter's increasingly erratic behavior. As she delves deeper into the truth, she uncovers whispers of ancient Djinn spirits lurking in the shadows, threatening to consume them all.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Under the Shadow (2016)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Under the Shadow (2016). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The 1980s were marked by the Iran-Iraq War, a period of significant chaos and upheaval. Amidst this turmoil, daily life is disrupted, and safety becomes a rare commodity for families. The social fabric is frayed, leaving citizens to grapple with loss and psychological trauma.

Location

Tehran

Tehran, the capital of Iran, serves as the backdrop for this haunting tale. During the 1980s, it is marred by the aftermath of the revolution, with ongoing conflict and violence shaping the lives of its inhabitants. The city symbolizes both a place of struggle and resilience for its citizens.

🏙️ City 🇮🇷 Iran

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:23

Main Characters – Under the Shadow (2016)
Meet the key characters of Under the Shadow (2016), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Shideh

Shideh is a resilient mother and a former medical student whose past ambitions are overshadowed by the war's impact. She grapples with feelings of guilt and helplessness as she tries to protect her daughter. Her struggle against external chaos and her internal demons marks her as a complex, layered character.

👩‍⚕️ Mother 💪 Resilience 😟 Trauma

Dorsa

Dorsa is a young girl navigating the horrors of war through her innocent yet imaginative perspective. Her attachment to her doll, Kimia, symbolizes childhood innocence amidst chaos. As she experiences distressing visions, she represents the deep emotional scars that war inflicts on the young.

👧 Child 🥺 Innocence 📿 Belief

Iraj

Iraj is Shideh's husband and a doctor, embodying the struggle between familial duty and the demands of war. His desire to ensure his family's safety contrasts sharply with Shideh's determination to remain. His absence during the conflict adds to the tension and emotional strain on Shideh and Dorsa.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 🚑 Duty 💔 Concern

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:23

Major Themes – Under the Shadow (2016)
Explore the central themes of Under the Shadow (2016), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👻 Supernatural

The theme of the supernatural is prominent as the characters confront djinn, which represent their inner fears and traumas. The haunting visions and the loss of tangible items reflect the psychological impact of war. This theme underscores the fragility of safety and the unknown threats lurking in familiar places.

💔 Loss

Loss encompasses both physical possessions and emotional ties in 'Under the Shadow.' As Shideh and Dorsa navigate their fears, they also confront the void left by absent loved ones. The deteriorating condition of Kimia symbolizes the fragility of childhood innocence amidst tragedy.

🧠 Mental Health

Mental health emerges as a critical theme, particularly as Shideh battles her PTSD from the constant fear of war. The supernatural elements serve as manifestations of her psychological struggles, illustrating how trauma can distort reality and perception.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:23

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