Under the Shadow
Under the Shadow | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Babak Anvari |
Written by | Babak Anvari |
Starring |
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Cinematography | Kit Fraser |
Edited by | Christopher Barwell |
Music by | Gavin Cullen |
Production company | Wigwam Films |
Release dates |
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Running time | 84 minutes[2] |
Countries | |
Language | Persian |
Under the Shadow (Persian: زیر سایه Zir-e Sayeh) is a 2016 internationally co-produced horror film written and directed by Iranian-born Babak Anvari as his directorial debut. A mother and daughter are haunted by a mysterious evil in 1980s Tehran, during the War of the Cities. The film stars Narges Rashidi, Avin Manshadi, Bobby Naderi, Ray Haratian, and Arash Marandi.
Produced by British film company Wigwam Films, the film is an international co-production between Qatar, Jordan, and the United Kingdom. The film premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival[5] and has been acquired by US streaming service Netflix.[6] It was selected as the British entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.[7]
Plot
![]() | This article needs an improved plot summary. (July 2016) |
As a mother and daughter struggle to cope with the terrors of the post-revolution, war torn Tehran of the 80s, a mysterious evil begins to haunt their home.
Cast
- Narges Rashidi as Shideh
- Avin Manshadi as Dorsa
- Bobby Naderi as Iraj
- Ray Haratian as Mr. Ebrahimi
- Arash Marandi as Dr. Reza
- Bijan Daneshmand as Director
Release
The film's global premiere was in January 2016 at the Sundance Film Festival. The rights to the film were subsequently acquired by streaming service Netflix; Vertical Entertainment and XYZ Films will assist in VOD releases and a limited theatrical showing starting on October 7 in the United States.[8]
Critical reception
Based on 11 reviews, Under the Shadow holds a 100% approval rating and an average score of 8.1/10 on Rotten Tomatoes.[9] The film currently holds a score of 86/100 on Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim".[10] Indiewire praised its spin on the narratives of the horror genre,[11] and The Hollywood Reporter praised Rashidi's performance and Anvari's directing.[12]
On 9 July 2016, the film received the H.R. Giger Narcisse prize for the Best Movie at the Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival.[13]
See also
- List of submissions to the 89th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film
- List of British submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film
References
- ^ a b c Ide, Wendy (23 January 2016). "'Under The Shadow': Sundance Review". Screen Daily. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
- ^ "Under the Shadow (15)". British Board of Film Classification. 16 September 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2016.
- ^ Setoodah, Ramin (21 January 2016). "Sundance: Netflix Acquires Iranian Horror Movie 'Under the Shadow' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ "Vertical, XYZ In Global Pact For 'Under The Shadow'; Deal Covers Theatrical, VOD – Sundance". 23 January 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ "Sundance Review: 'Under the Shadow' is the First Great Horror Movie of the Year". 23 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
- ^ Setoodah, Ramin (21 January 2016). "Sundance: Netflix Acquires Iranian Horror Movie 'Under the Shadow' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ McNary, Dave (21 September 2016). "Iranian Horror Movie 'Under the Shadow' Selected as U.K. Foreign-Language Oscar Entry". Variety. Retrieved 22 September 2016.
- ^ "Vertical, XYZ In Global Pact For 'Under The Shadow'; Deal Covers Theatrical, VOD – Sundance". 23 January 2016. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ "Rotten Tomatoes - Under the Shadow". Retrieved 19 March 2016.
- ^ "Metacritic - Under the Shadow". Retrieved 2 February 2016.
- ^ "Sundance Review: 'Under the Shadow' is the First Great Horror Movie of the Year". 23 January 2015. Retrieved 25 January 2015.
- ^ Rooney, David (23 January 2015). "'Under the Shadow': Sundance Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
- ^ O'Keeffe, Christian (9 July 2016). "Neuchâtel 2016: Iranian Horror UNDER THE SHADOW Wins Grand Prize". Screen Anarchy. Retrieved 28 September 2016.