Under the Shadow

Year: 2016

Runtime: 84 min

Language: Persian

Director: Babak Anvari

ThrillerHorror

During the Iran-Iraq war, a mother named Shideh is left to care for her young daughter, Dorsa, when her husband is conscripted. A terrifying missile attack unleashes supernatural forces, and Dorsa begins to exhibit disturbing behavior. As Shideh investigates, she suspects the presence of ancient Djinn spirits, and must fight to protect her daughter from a growing, sinister threat lurking within their Tehran apartment building.

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Timeline & Setting – Under the Shadow (2016)

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Main Characters – Under the Shadow (2016)

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Major Themes – Under the Shadow (2016)

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War-torn horror movies like Under the Shadow

Supernatural horror that manifests from the trauma of real-world conflict.If you liked the way Under the Shadow used the Iran-Iraq War as a backdrop for supernatural dread, explore these movies where conflict zones become stages for horror. These stories feature ghosts, monsters, or curses that are deeply intertwined with the trauma of war.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves characters trapped in a conflict zone who must confront a supernatural threat that feels like an extension or consequence of the surrounding violence. Their fight for survival becomes a dual battle against both human and inhuman forces of destruction.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share the unique premise of historical or wartime settings amplifying supernatural horror. They create a powerful, oppressive atmosphere where real and imagined fears collide, resulting in a high-intensity, emotionally heavy viewing experience.

Maternal horror thrillers similar to Under the Shadow

A mother's fierce love is tested against a terrifying supernatural threat.For viewers who enjoyed the mother-daughter dynamic in Under the Shadow, this collection features horror films driven by a parent's desperate fight to save their child. These movies are characterized by heavy emotional weight, high tension, and a focus on the bond between parent and child under extreme duress.

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Narrative Summary

The core journey follows a mother who discovers a supernatural danger targeting her child. As the threat escalates, she must unravel the mystery and confront the evil, often at great personal risk. The narrative is a straightforward but powerful arc of protection, sacrifice, and resilience.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their central theme of motherhood as a source of strength in the face of horror. The shared emotional core is the overwhelming drive to protect a child, which creates a consistent tone of high-stakes tension and deep emotional investment for the viewer.

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Under the Shadow Summary

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More About Under the Shadow

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