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Under the Shadow

Name: Under the Shadow
Director: Babak Anvari
Released: 2016
Duration: 84 min

Representation Score

6.7/10

Good

2016

PG-13

Director

Babak Anvari

Runtime

84 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Under the Shadow uses horror to critique systemic instability, focusing on women's ability to drive the story and challenging state-enforced social norms. It provides a non-Western perspective on political and religious oppression, using the domestic sphere as a site of resistance against institutional frameworks. However, the film lacks LGBTQ+ representation and explicit depictions of physical disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Under the Shadow have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.

How does Under the Shadow portray gender?

Good

Shideh is a strong female protagonist who challenges traditional hierarchies and navigates both supernatural threats and the restrictive environment of 1980s Tehran.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Under the Shadow?

Good

The all-Iranian cast provides an authentic look at Middle Eastern urban life during the Iran-Iraq War.

How does Under the Shadow represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critiques the intersection of religious authority and state surveillance, portraying religious dogma and morality police as sources of tension and oppression.

Does Under the Shadow include disability representation?

Fair

There are no explicit depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities, but the film explores psychological trauma caused by wartime and political pressures.

Present on Screen

Strong women's ability to drive the story through the protagonist Shideh.
Authentic Middle Eastern setting and all-Iranian cast.
Nuanced critique of religious authority and state surveillance.
Sophisticated use of horror to explore psychological trauma.

Limited or Absent

Complete absence of LGBTQ+ characters or identities.
Lack of explicit representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

After Shideh's building is hit by a missile during the Iran-Iraq War, a superstitious neighbor suggests that the missile was cursed and might be carrying malevolent Middle-Eastern spirits. She becomes convinced a supernatural force within the building is attempting to possess her daughter Dorsa, and she has no choice but to confront these forces if she is to save her daughter and herself.

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