Playground

A young woman working the night shift at a mental hospital discovers a series of disturbing occurrences that lead her to believe the building is haunted. As she investigates further, she uncovers dark secrets about the hospital's past and the patients within, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. The hospital becomes a terrifying maze as she tries to survive the night and escape the supernatural forces at play.

Under the Shadow received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its suspenseful atmosphere, Anvari's direction, and its effective blend of supernatural horror with grounded social commentary. Critics praised its originality and ability to create genuine scares while exploring themes of fear and resilience.

• A masterclass in building tension and atmosphere.
• Effectively blends supernatural horror with compelling social and political themes.
• Praised for its strong direction and unsettling scares.

Google audience: Audiences generally praised the film's suspenseful storytelling and frightening moments, noting its unique approach to the horror genre. Some found the ending slightly ambiguous, but overall it was considered a highly effective and original thriller.

World Premiere at Sundance Film Festival (Midnight Section), received a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize. Won multiple awards on the festival circuit, including Best Film at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

Director Babak Anvari drew inspiration for the film from his own childhood experiences during the Iran-Iraq war, specifically the fear and paranoia associated with air-raid sirens and the possibility of being targeted.