“Under the Shadow” is a 2016 psychological horror film directed by Babak Anvari. Set in 1980s war-torn Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War, the film follows Shideh, a young mother who finds herself struggling not only with the anxieties of living in a city under constant threat of bombings but also with an insidious supernatural presence that seems to be haunting her and her daughter. The film blends elements of political unrest, societal repression, and personal trauma, creating a tense and atmospheric exploration of fear on multiple levels.
Plot Summary
The story centers around Shideh (played by Narges Rashidi), a woman who, after being denied re-entry into medical school due to her political activism during the Iranian Revolution, is struggling to find purpose. Her frustration grows as she feels increasingly isolated in her roles as a wife and mother, especially when her husband Iraj (Bobby Naderi), a doctor, is sent to the front lines of the Iran-Iraq War, leaving her alone with their young daughter, Dorsa (Avin Manshadi).
As air raids become more frequent and the threat of bombings looms large, most of the residents of their apartment building flee. However, Shideh stubbornly refuses to leave, despite the urging of her husband and neighbors. She is determined to stay behind in what feels like a symbolic act of rebellion against the oppressive forces around her — both the political situation and the gendered expectations of her society.
It is against this backdrop that the supernatural elements of the story begin to unfold. Dorsa becomes obsessed with the idea that her doll is missing and starts behaving strangely, insisting that a “djinn” — a supernatural being from Islamic mythology — is haunting them. At first, Shideh dismisses this as childish fantasy, but as strange and terrifying events escalate, she begins to question whether there is a sinister presence in the apartment. This fear is exacerbated by the fact that the building is partially destroyed by a missile strike, a literal and metaphorical rupture that mirrors the fracturing of Shideh’s mental state.
Themes and Analysis
“Under the Shadow” is a film that operates on multiple levels, deftly intertwining personal, political, and supernatural horror. One of the most striking aspects of the movie is its exploration of fear as both a personal and societal phenomenon. The war and the constant threat of death create an atmosphere of anxiety that permeates every aspect of life. Shideh’s fear is not just of the djinn, but of the oppressive forces that limit her autonomy and freedom.
The film addresses the gender-based oppression that Shideh faces, particularly in the conservative post-revolutionary Iran. Shideh’s inability to return to medical school because of her political past reflects the broader repression of women during this period. She feels trapped in her role as a mother and housewife, a dynamic that mirrors her entrapment in the apartment building and her eventual confrontation with the djinn. The djinn, in this context, can be seen as a manifestation of Shideh’s internalized fears and frustrations — an externalization of her suppressed rage and helplessness.
Director Babak Anvari skillfully uses the djinn as a symbolic representation of the intangible, insidious nature of fear. The djinn is not a typical movie monster; it is invisible, unknowable, and rooted in folklore, which makes it all the more terrifying. It feeds on fear, and the more Shideh and Dorsa succumb to their anxieties, the more powerful it becomes. This dynamic creates an escalating sense of dread throughout the film, as the boundaries between psychological and supernatural horror blur.
Another important theme in “Under the Shadow” is the relationship between mothers and daughters, particularly the pressures and responsibilities of motherhood. Shideh’s relationship with Dorsa becomes increasingly strained as the film progresses. Shideh is portrayed as a conflicted mother, at times resenting the burden of raising a child on her own while also feeling an intense need to protect her daughter. Dorsa, meanwhile, becomes a vessel for the supernatural terror that takes hold of their lives, complicating Shideh’s role as a protector. This dynamic adds a layer of emotional depth to the horror, as the stakes are not just about survival but about the preservation of their bond.
Cinematography and Atmosphere
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to create a sense of claustrophobia and isolation. Most of the action takes place within the confines of Shideh’s apartment, which becomes a kind of prison. The building’s narrow hallways, darkened rooms, and crumbling walls contribute to a feeling of entrapment, both physical and psychological. Anvari uses the setting to great effect, making the apartment feel both familiar and menacing. The war-torn city outside adds to this feeling of isolation, with the constant wailing of air raid sirens and distant explosions serving as a reminder of the dangers lurking just beyond their door.
The use of lighting and shadows also plays a crucial role in building tension. The film often plunges the audience into darkness, with only flickering lights or the glow of a television screen illuminating the characters’ faces. This visual style not only heightens the sense of fear but also reflects the uncertainty and confusion that Shideh feels as she grapples with the increasingly surreal and terrifying events.
The sound design is equally effective, with eerie, otherworldly noises creeping in at the edges of scenes, subtly suggesting the presence of the djinn without overtly revealing it. This restraint in showing the monster is a hallmark of “Under the Shadow,” which prefers to rely on psychological tension rather than jump scares. The horror is slow-burning, building to a terrifying crescendo in the film’s final act.
Conclusion
“Under the Shadow” is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, using the political and cultural backdrop of 1980s Iran to tell a deeply personal story about fear, repression, and survival. It is a film that works on both a literal and metaphorical level, blending supernatural horror with psychological and social commentary. Babak Anvari’s direction, combined with Narges Rashidi’s powerful performance as Shideh, creates a gripping and emotionally resonant narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
By combining the personal struggles of its protagonist with the broader political and cultural context, “Under the Shadow” transcends the horror genre, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition under extreme pressure. It is a film that stays with you, not just because of its scares, but because of the way it makes you reflect on the real-life horrors that so many people face daily.