10 Underrated Horror Movies Currently Streaming On Netflix
5. Under The Shadow
What's It About? Set in Tehran in the 1980s, Under The Shadow finds a mother and daughter struggling to survive their war-ridden city, as well as facing an evil entity that haunts their home.
Why You Should Watch It: Under The Shadow's biggest asset is its setting. 1980s Tehran provides such a ludicrously dangerous standard of living for a vulnerable young woman and a child that you'll leave the film wondering which is to be more feared; the supernatural, or other humans?
Very rarely are horror films infused with effective social commentary. Shideh, the lead character, is punished outside her home for not wearing the correct clothing, so her apartment becomes her haven - despite the horrors lurking within.
The horror is restrained, but effective; there aren't dozens and dozens of jump scares, but there's a consistently spooky atmosphere and sense of foreboding. Under The Shadow understands that less is more, and the drama feels more real as a result.
It's worth mentioning that the film wasn't shot in English so the dialogue is dubbed. However, you'll stop noticing this after the first 10 minutes or so, and those who do stick around will be rewarded with a creepy, emotionally-charged ghost story.