Critical reflection of In the shadows

In the Shadows is a short horror thriller film that explores the vulnerability of young women in isolated spaces. It follows Sarah, a seemingly normal young woman, going through a normal morning routine, who becomes the target of a sinister stalker during her nighttime jog. This critical reflection will dive into how the film represents social anxieties, utilizes branding elements, engages its audience, and leverages research to inform its narrative and challenge and use genre conventions. 

In the Shadows reflects a pervasive social concern, the abduction of women in public spaces. The film opens with a mundane morning routine, establishing Sarah's ordinariness. This normality is shattered as she ventures out at night, a seemingly innocuous decision that becomes fraught with danger. By portraying an everyday activity turning sinister, the film taps into the audience's fear of the unknown and the vulnerability women face even in familiar surroundings. The use of a park, a typically viewed public space, further emphasizes the ever-present potential for danger. The addition of the stalker's Instagram activity adds another layer of social commentary. Social media stalking is a modern phenomenon that we feel is not properly utilized in most media. We feel as if it challenges modern conventions as social media stalking is disproportionally more popular with younger people And is a topic that is rare in major thriller movies. We see the predator lurking in the digital world, mirroring his physical stalking. This scene serves not just as a plot point but as a stark reminder of the ease with which online anonymity can be used to target and harass individuals. 

In the Shadows establishes a distinct brand through a combination of visual and narrative elements. The film utilizes a dark color palette, dominated by the nights aura, which creates a sense of unease and foreshadows the dark events to come. The camerawork plays a crucial role. Early scenes utilize camerawork during Sarah's morning routine, creating a sense of intimacy and normality. This can be seen when Sarah first enters the bathroom to turn on the sink and the light. The task she is completing is ambiguous, especially when coupled with the calm mellow music. However, as she enters the park, the camera becomes static when she is off for the run as well as when we see the point of view from our antagonist; emphasizing her isolation and vulnerability. This shift is further accompanied by sound design. The mundane sounds of Sarah's morning routine are replaced by an unsettling silence upon migrating to the park and eerie horror music when the main antagonist is on camera. The addition of an original, suspenseful score further heightens the tension. This is further proven as the last shot of Sarah being put in the trunk was shot from a fixed high angle shot, with the camera only rotating. Emphasizes the dramatic and gut wrenching affect of the scenery. The postcard primarily uses a dark color scheme, which creates a sense of mystery and suspense. This is a common approach in horror film marketing as it sets an unsettling mood. The image features a park with trees and a walking path. This seemingly ordinary scene takes on a sinister quality due to the dark color scheme and the red text. The lack of people in the park further emphasizes the isolation and potential danger Sarah faces. The title "In the Shadows" is written in a bold, bloody red font. This color choice immediately grabs attention and establishes the horror genre. It also foreshadows the violence or danger that lurks beneath the surface of the seemingly ordinary park scene. ` 

 By adopting a voyeuristic point of view, the film immerses viewers in the unsettling perspective of the stalker, evoking a visceral reaction and increasing the sense of imminent danger. This intimate portrayal not only personalizes the threat but also creates a atmosphere of suspense, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as they await the inevitable confrontation. Moreover, the juxtaposition of Sarah's routine morning against the escalating tension amplifies the audience's emotional investment in the narrative. As they witness Sarah navigating through seemingly ordinary moments, they are simultaneously confronted with the growing unease of her surroundings, drawing them deeper into the unfolding drama. This juxtaposition serves to heighten the audience's empathy for Sarah, intensifying their emotional response and fostering a sense of shared apprehension. The film also establishes a sense of foreshadowing, showing the abductors car following Sarah on a turn. Furthermore, the film's strategic use of juxtaposition not only highlights Sarah's vulnerability but also prompts viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of safety and security. By juxtaposing the tranquility of Sarah's morning routine with the sudden and unexpected threat of abduction, the film challenges the audience's assumptions and forces them to confront the fragility of innocence in an increasingly perilous world. In essence, "In the Shadows" engages the audience on multiple levels, from its gripping narrative to its immersive visual storytelling. Through its expert use of cinematic techniques and compelling juxtaposition, the film captivates viewers from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll. 

 

"In the Shadows" challenges conventions as well as uses some common conventions. utilizes a deliberate shift in music to mirror Sarah's growing saftey risk and heighten the audience's sense of dread. The film opens with a calm soundscape that reflects the ordinariness of Sarah's morning routine. This includes gentle acoustic melodies, a soft piano and a slow drum set. The stalker's online behavior, meticulously monitoring Sarah's activity, reflects documented stalking patterns. This adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making it all the more unsettling. My group members and I are strong believers that most films do not establish a accurate use of social media among young people, We feel as if our use of social media in the film accurately shows the subtle yet impactful nature of social media in present day. The film also challenges genre conventions by subverting the "final girl" trope. Instead of fighting back, Sarah is presented as a victim caught off guard, reflecting the helplessness of many victims of abduction experience. This departure from typical thriller/horror movie narratives serves to heighten the film's realism and emotional impact on audience members. "In the Shadows" utilizes a deliberate shift in music to mirror Sarah's growing danger and heighten the audience's sense of dread. The film opens with a calm soundscape that reflects the ordinariness of Sarah's morning routine but shifts as she enters the car. By carefully manipulating the music throughout the film, "In the Shadows" creates a powerful soundscape that enhances the narrative and draws the audience deeper into Sarah's world. The shift from calm to scary shows the transition from normality to danger, effectively amplifying the film's chilling atmosphere. We do see this commonly in a lot of thriller/horror films. We did also play into the typical gender role for abductor and abductee in film, As Brayden is a male and is the abductors, which is statistically accurate for these situations in real life. While our abductee Sarah plays as a helpless girl who is simply caught off guard. We researched Short films like “Alma” utilize music in a similar manner, to further emphasize and stress the tone shift in Sarah's world, despite Sarah having little to no idea of her danger. This further reflects real life scenarios as women who were kidnapped did not expect such danger to come there way, similar to what Is portrayed with Sarah. 

In the Shadows is a exploration of fear and vulnerability. It uses well-crafted visuals, sound design, and a suspenseful atmosphere to represent the social anxieties surrounding the abduction of women. The addition of the stalker's social media activity provides a contemporary and a modern twist on a classic horror theme. By employing innovative filmmaking techniques and drawing inspiration from other short films, "In the Shadows" not only entertains but also prompts viewers to confront the unsettling reality of social media stalking and the dangers lurking in everyday spaces and places.