Shideh (Narges Rashidi) and her family live amid the chaos of the Iran-Iraq war, a period known as The War of the Cities. Accused of subversion by the post-Revolution government and blacklisted from medical college, she falls into a state of malaise. With Tehran under the constant threat of aerial bombardment, her husband (Bobby Naderi) is drafted and sent to the frontlines by the army, leaving Shideh all alone to protect their young daughter, Dorsa (Avin Manshadi). Soon after he leaves, a missile hits their apartment building and while failing to explode, a neighbor dies under mysterious circumstances and Dorsa’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic.
One of the most acclaimed horror films of 2016 will be in theaters and on VOD in just a few short months. October 7th marks the official release of Farsi-language Iranian horror film Under the Shadow via Vertical Entertainment and XYZ Films.
“Under the Shadow can be viewed as a tense horror film with a unique approach. Unlike vampires and werewolves, zombies and witches, the mythology of the film is refreshing, especially for a western audience, as it has been rarely seen before. But the story can also be considered as an allegory, portraying the perverse effect of war and political turmoil not only on individuals, but on society as a whole –and the dominating power of fear.”
-Babak Anvari writer/director of Under the Shadow