Set in Teheran during the Iraqi raids of the Eighties, Babak Anvari's debut is an effective supernatural horror film.
Premise is simple: a mother and a daughter are trapped in a house haunted by malevolent ghostly entities. The film creates an ominous atmosphere with a good use of sound (and silence) and some creepy jump scares. It's never groundbreaking or exceptional, but it's definitely competent.
The unusual setting is interesting and well-integrated into the plot. The ongoing conflict justifies the usual objection to the haunted house scenario ("why don't they just leave?") and provides further elements of tension and social commentary; for example, there is an unsettling scene where the mother rushes outside seeking help and law enforcements threaten her for not wearing veils. This elevates the movie above more conventional stuff like The Innkeepers or the American remake of The Grudge.
6,5/10
Premise is simple: a mother and a daughter are trapped in a house haunted by malevolent ghostly entities. The film creates an ominous atmosphere with a good use of sound (and silence) and some creepy jump scares. It's never groundbreaking or exceptional, but it's definitely competent.
The unusual setting is interesting and well-integrated into the plot. The ongoing conflict justifies the usual objection to the haunted house scenario ("why don't they just leave?") and provides further elements of tension and social commentary; for example, there is an unsettling scene where the mother rushes outside seeking help and law enforcements threaten her for not wearing veils. This elevates the movie above more conventional stuff like The Innkeepers or the American remake of The Grudge.
6,5/10