This is a generally well-made movie. i was into it for a while, but i was so unsatisfied when it finished. pretty creepy with a few scary moments. fairly low entertainment factor (1 viewing, 1/4/2021)

In the 80's, during the war between the Islamic post-revolutionary Iran and Iraq, the former leftist medical student Shideh (Narges Rashidi) tries to return to the university but is barred by the dean. The upset Shideh returns home and when her husband Dr. Iraj (Bobby Naderi) is assigned to work in a war zone, she refuses to move to his parent's house with their daughter Dorsa (Avin Manshadi). Shideh prefers to stay in her apartment with Dorsa, who loves her doll Kimia and has constant fever. Dorsa is afraid of demoniac Djinns and when Shideh asks who told her about the legend, she tells that her friend that lives downstairs. Shideh visits her neighbor and asks his mother to tell her son to not tell horror stories to Dorsa and she learns that the boy is mute. Then Kimia and Shideh's Jane Fonda workout tape disappear. When a missile strikes their building, the neighbors decide to leave Tehran, but Shideh stays in the apartment with Dorsa, who is increasingly disturbed. Soon Shideh reads about Djinns and finds that there is an evil entity in the apartment. Further she must find Kimia; otherwise Dorsa will be in danger since the Djinn will be attached to her.

"Under the Shadow" is an atmospheric and spooky ghost story in an unusual environment – Tehran in the 80's. The difference to the Western cultures is another attraction of this film, such as punishment of the woman for not wearing headscarf or for having a videocassette at home. The story has elements from "The Babadook" but is better than the 2014 film. The conclusion is open for a sequel, like most of the films of this genre. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available.

The film takes place in the 1980's during the Iran/Iraq conflict. Sideh (Narges Rashidi) is not allowed to be a doctor due to her previous political activity. Her husband Iraj (Bobby Naderi) completed medical school and is subject to the draft.They live in a middle class apartment building with their daughter Dorsa (Avin Manshadi) and her favorite doll Kimai.

Mehdl, a survivor from the war zone, now lives with his aunt in the apartment building. He tells Dorsa about the Djinn, an air demon, is coming. Missiles from Iraq are rumored on their way. The Djinn becomes an issue, real or imaginary.

The film is a psychological horror, not too heavy on the horror. The production was shot in Jordan, the language is Persian with slightly trailing English subtitles. I found the way of life and taboos as interesting as the horror aspect. Remember, in case of terrorist attack, stock up on plastic sheeting and duck tape.

Guide: No swearing, sex, or nudity. Jane Fonda work out tape.