“You know, if they take a personal belonging, something that you treasure, then there’s no escape from them. You’ll be marked and they’ll always know how to find you.”
Uncovering the Horrors of War and Gender Inequality
Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari's directorial debut, Under the Shadow, hit the festival circuit in 2016, garnering critical acclaim and numerous awards. Set in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s, this Persian-language horror film delves into the personal and societal struggles of a mother and daughter as they face both the terrors of war and the oppression of gender inequality. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue the Ghost Stories series with a conversation about Under the Shadow.
Peeling Back the Layers of Fear
From the ever-present threat of war to the social horror of gender inequality, Anvari masterfully weaves together a tapestry of terror that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. We discuss how the film's supernatural elements, in the form of malevolent spirits known as djinn, serve as a metaphor for the protagonist's internal struggles and the trauma she faces.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the powerful performances of the film's lead actors, particularly Narges Rashidi as the mother, Shideh. Her portrayal of a woman grappling with the loss of her dreams and the pressures of motherhood in a war-torn, patriarchal society is both haunting and inspiring. We also touch on the film's effective use of sound design and cinematography to create an atmosphere of unease and dread.
Digging Deeper into the Discussion
- The symbolism of the doll as a representation of Shideh's maternal instincts and her daughter's need for protection
- The ambiguity surrounding the origins of the djinn and their connection to the characters' trauma
- The film's commentary on the psychological effects of war and oppression on individuals and society
- The open-ended nature of the film's conclusion and its implications for the characters' futures
Unveiling the Significance of Under the Shadow
Under the Shadow is a testament to the power of horror cinema to explore complex social and political issues. By blending the supernatural with the all-too-real horrors of war and gender inequality, Anvari has crafted a film that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the clarity of certain plot points, we ultimately find Under the Shadow to be a compelling and essential addition to the canon of international horror cinema. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:
Here’s where you can find us around the internet:
What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!
- You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
- Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
- Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
- Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
- Or sign up for AUDIBLE.
What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?
The Next Reel team has been dedicated to reviews, news, and commentary on world film for a decade. This podcast is The Next Reel master feed including all the episodes of The Next Reel, Trailer Rewind, The Film Board, The Speakeasy, and the other shorts, interviews, and specials we've produced over the years.