10 Horror Movies That Are Pro-Feminism

3. Under The Shadow

Imagine if The Babadook was transferred to war-torn 1980s Iran and given a more explicitly political context, and that’s what you have with director Babak Anvari’s feature-length debut Under the Shadow.

Former political activist and mother Shideh decides to stay alone in heavily bombarded Tehran during the Iran-Iraq conflict’s War of the Cities to look after her young daughter Dorsa, while her doctor husband is drafted to help out on the front lines. But before long the constant bombing isn’t the only terrifying aspect of their existence and Shideh starts to suspect that a Djinn - that’s a terrifying Middle Eastern spirit for those not in the know - is haunting her family.

Rewardingly creepy and atmospheric for fans of pure horror, the feminist horror enthusiast will enjoy Under the Shadow’s addressing of the issues facing women in Iran and the juxtaposition of the oppressive presence of the demonic spirit, war, and sexism.