Under the Shadow (2016) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A mother and daughter battle a supernatural entity in war-torn Tehran.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

War-Torn Isolation

Shideh navigates academic bans and marital tension while Iraj deploys for military service. The family's fragile routine is shattered by a missile strike that sends Dorsa's cherished doll into the chaos.

Key Events

• Shideh's Academic Ban — Shideh is barred from studies due to leftist past. Characters: Shideh, Iraj Location: Tehran Apartment
• Iraj's Military Deployment — Iraj is called to service and urges family to leave. Characters: Iraj, Shideh, Dorsa Location: Tehran Apartment
• The Kimia Promise — Iraj promises the doll will protect Dorsa. Characters: Iraj, Dorsa Location: Tehran Apartment
• Neighbor Boy's Arrival — Boy whispers djinn legend to Dorsa. Characters: Dorsa, Mrs. Ebrahimi Location: Building Hallway
• Shelling and Kimia Loss — Missile strike causes chaos; Kimia goes missing. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Building Stairwell
• Iraj's Departure Echo — Iraj's absence sets the stage for isolation. Characters: Iraj Location: Military Base

The Djinn's Warning

A neighbor boy introduces local folklore about djinns stealing personal items. As neighbors evacuate, Shideh and Dorsa are left alone in the building, and Shideh begins experiencing terrifying chador visions.

Key Events

• Shelling and Kimia Loss — Missile strike causes chaos; Kimia goes missing. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Building Stairwell
• Dorsa's Disturbed Behavior — Dorsa insists a presence is in the house. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Apartment
• Mrs. Ebrahimi's Warning — Mrs. Ebrahimi explains djinns steal beloved items. Characters: Shideh, Mrs. Ebrahimi Location: Building Stairwell
• Neighbors Evacuate — All neighbors leave, leaving only Shideh and Dorsa. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa, Mrs. Ebrahimi Location: Building
• Shideh's Chador Nightmares — Shideh experiences escalating visions of a moving chador. Characters: Shideh Location: Apartment
• Finding Mutilated Kimia — Shideh finds the damaged doll, upsetting Dorsa. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Apartment

Supernatural Siege

Dorsa's distress peaks when the mutilated doll is found, leading to frantic attempts to repair it. An air raid siren traps them inside, and Shideh is forced to confront a terrifying apparition mimicking her daughter.

Key Events

• Finding Mutilated Kimia — Shideh finds the damaged doll, upsetting Dorsa. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Apartment
• Taping Kimia Together — Dorsa repairs the doll with tape to calm fears. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Apartment
• Air Raid Siren Blares — Siren interrupts departure, trapping them again. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Apartment
• Shelter Descent and Panic — Shideh hears screams and panics about an apparition. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Building Stairwell
• The Bed Apparition — Shideh sees a fake Dorsa under the bed. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Apartment
• Real Dorsa Rescued — Shideh locates the real Dorsa and they flee. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Apartment

Escape and Lingering Threat

Shideh rescues the real Dorsa and flees to Iraj's parents' home while under attack. Despite their physical escape, the discovery of the doll's head and missing textbook confirms the entity's lingering presence.

Key Events

• Real Dorsa Rescued — Shideh locates the real Dorsa and they flee. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Apartment
• Chador Attack in Car — The chador apparition attacks them as they drive. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Car
• Escape to In-Laws — They reach Iraj's parents' home for safety. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: In-Laws House
• Kimia's Head Left Behind — Realization that a part of Kimia remains haunted. Characters: Shideh Location: Apartment
• Textbook Still Missing — Shideh's book is still with the entity. Characters: Shideh Location: Apartment
• Building Abandoned — The pair leave the desolate building behind. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Building Exterior
• Lingering Dread — The threat remains unresolved as they drive away. Characters: Shideh, Dorsa Location: Car

Story Breakdown

• Political Backdrop — The Iran-Iraq war and revolutionary policies isolate the family.
  • Academic Ban — Shideh is barred from studies due to leftist ties.
  • Military Deployment — Iraj leaves for service, increasing household vulnerability.
• Maternal Bond — Shideh and Dorsa's relationship drives the emotional core.
  • Kimia Promise — Iraj gives Dorsa a protective doll before leaving.
  • Protective Instinct — Shideh prioritizes Dorsa's safety over her own fears.
• Supernatural Lore — Local legends and neighbor warnings introduce the threat.
  • Djinn Legend — A neighbor boy whispers about spirits stealing items.
  • Chador Visions — Shideh experiences escalating hallucinations of a ghost.
• Psychological Horror — The entity manipulates reality and exploits maternal anxiety.
  • Doll Mutilation — Kimia is damaged, triggering Dorsa's distress.
  • Apparition Trick — The entity creates a fake Dorsa to confuse Shideh.
• Survival Struggle — The pair navigates physical and supernatural dangers.
  • Shelter Descent — Air raids force them into the building basement.
  • Car Escape — They flee the building while under attack.
• Climactic Escape — A frantic chase leads to temporary safety.
  • In-Laws Arrival — Shideh and Dorsa reach Iraj's parents' home.
  • Chador Assault — The entity attacks them in the vehicle.
• Unresolved Threat — The horror lingers despite their physical escape.
  • Lost Doll Head — A piece of Kimia remains in the haunted space.
  • Missing Textbook — Shideh's book is still possessed, signaling ongoing danger.

Directed by

Babak Anvari

Key Cast

• Narges Rashidi — Shideh
• Avin Manshadi — Dorsa
• Bobby Naderi — Iraj
• Ray Haratian — Mr. Ebrahimi
• Hamid Djavadan — Mr. Fakur