Under the Shadow (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

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

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

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.

Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 1h 24m

Directed by Babak Anvari

Age

14+

Set during the Iran-Iraq War, Under the Shadow follows Shideh as she struggles to protect her young daughter, Dorsa, in a Tehran apartment building targeted by bombings. As the conflict intensifies, a supernatural presence begins to haunt the home, manifesting in ways that blur the line between war-time trauma and a genuine malevolent force. The film is rated PG-13 for its intense atmosphere, unsettling imagery, and depictions of… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Narges Rashidi

Avin Manshadi

Bobby Naderi

Ray Haratian

Hamid Djavadan

Bijan Daneshmand

Behi Djanati Atai

Aram Ghasemy

Soussan Farrokhnia

Arash Marandi

Nabil Koni

Sajjad Delafrooz

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Is Under the Shadow appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Under the Shadow

Sex Mild 2/10

Violence Moderate 3/10

Language Moderate 3/10

Substances Mild 1/10

Themes Moderate 4/10

What happens in Under the Shadow, moment by moment

0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
0:22 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10

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Sex and nudity in Under the Shadow

There is a brief, non-explicit glimpse of a woman's upper breast as she dresses in the privacy of her home.

Violence and gore in Under the Shadow

Violence is mild and largely secondary to the psychological horror. There is a scene where a child is shoved and falls down a flight of stairs, along with the constant off-screen threat of missile strikes and bomb blasts.

Language in Under the Shadow

Language is infrequent and mild. A man uses a derogatory term when speaking to a woman over the phone.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Under the Shadow

There are no significant depictions of drug use or alcohol consumption.

Mature themes in Under the Shadow

The film explores themes of parental anxiety, the stress of living in a war zone, and the psychological impact of forced confinement. The supernatural elements are deeply tied to the characters' grief and trauma.

Bontent Member Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Under the Shadow appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Under the Shadow is best for ages 14+. It's rated PG-13. Set during the Iran-Iraq War, Under the Shadow follows Shideh as she struggles to protect her young daughter, Dorsa, in a Tehran apartment building targeted by bombings. As the conflict intensifies, a supernatural…

What age rating does Under the Shadow have?

Under the Shadow is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 14+.

What is Under the Shadow about?

Is there sex or nudity in Under the Shadow?

There is a brief, non-explicit glimpse of a woman's upper breast as she dresses in the privacy of her home.

How violent is Under the Shadow?

Is the language in Under the Shadow appropriate for kids?

Language is infrequent and mild. A man uses a derogatory term when speaking to a woman over the phone.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Under the Shadow?

There are no significant depictions of drug use or alcohol consumption.

What mature themes appear in Under the Shadow?

How long is Under the Shadow?