A Review of Shadow People (2012) Movie

One Line Story

A radio talk show host investigates the terrifying phenomenon of sleep paralysis and the shadow people who haunt its sufferers.

Movie Review

Shadow People is a horror film that was released in 2012. Directed by Matthew Arnold and starring Dallas Roberts, Alison Eastwood, and Anne Dudek, it's a movie that explores the concept of "shadow people" and their connection to sleep paralysis.

The film is set in New Orleans and is inspired by a real-life phenomenon known as the "The Sudden Unexplained Nocturnal Death Syndrome" or SUNDS.

This condition is believed to be the result of sleep paralysis and is characterized by the feeling of being suffocated, accompanied by hallucinations of shadowy figures.

The story follows Charlie Crowe (Dallas Roberts), a radio talk show host who begins receiving calls from people who claim to be suffering from SUNDS.

Intrigued by the phenomenon, Charlie begins investigating the condition and uncovers a conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company that is responsible for the spread of the disease.

The film begins with a series of interviews with people who have experienced SUNDS. These interviews are presented in a documentary-style format, which adds an air of authenticity to the story.

The interviews are chilling and set the tone for the rest of the film.

The film's pacing is slow and deliberate, which works well in creating an atmosphere of tension and unease. The use of lighting and sound also contributes to the overall mood of the film.

The scenes involving the shadow people are particularly well-done, with the use of shadows and silhouettes creating a sense of dread and fear.

The acting in Shadow People is generally good, with Dallas Roberts giving a standout performance as Charlie Crowe. He portrays the character as a man who is curious and determined, but also vulnerable and flawed.

Alison Eastwood and Anne Dudek also deliver solid performances as Charlie's colleagues.

The film's plot is intriguing and thought-provoking, with the idea of a pharmaceutical company being responsible for the spread of a disease adding an extra layer of complexity to the story.

However, the film's execution is flawed in some areas. The pacing, while effective in creating tension, may be too slow for some viewers, and the ending feels somewhat rushed and unsatisfying.

Despite its flaws, Shadow People is a well-crafted horror film that effectively explores the concept of sleep paralysis and the phenomenon of shadow people.

Its documentary-style presentation adds an air of authenticity to the story, and the use of lighting and sound creates an atmosphere of tension and fear. While it may not be a perfect film, it's definitely worth watching for fans of the horror genre.

One of the strengths of Shadow People is its use of real-life interviews with people who have experienced SUNDS. These interviews provide a sense of realism to the story and make the events depicted in the film feel all the more terrifying.

The use of interviews also serves to remind viewers that sleep paralysis and shadow people are real phenomena that affect real people.

Another strength of the film is its exploration of the psychological effects of SUNDS. The film portrays people who are deeply affected by the condition, with some becoming obsessed with the shadow people and others experiencing intense fear and anxiety.

This aspect of the film adds a layer of depth to the story and makes it more than just a simple horror film.

The film's depiction of New Orleans is also noteworthy. The city is portrayed as a place with a rich history and culture, but also one that is haunted by dark forces.

The use of New Orleans as a setting adds a sense of mystique to the film and enhances its overall atmosphere.

Despite its strengths, Shadow People does have some flaws. As previously mentioned, the pacing of the film may be too slow for some viewers, and the ending feels rushed and unsatisfying.

Additionally, some of the characters feel underdeveloped, which makes it difficult to become invested in their stories.

In conclusion, Shadow People is a well-crafted horror film that effectively explores the concept of sleep paralysis and shadow people.

Its use of real-life interviews and documentary-style presentation adds a sense of authenticity to the story, and the use of lighting and sound creates an atmosphere of tension and fear.

While the film has its flaws, it's definitely worth watching for fans of the horror genre.

cast and crew

• Dallas Roberts as Charlie Crowe

• Alison Eastwood as Dr. Sophie Lacombe

• Anne Dudek as Sarah Gentry

• Mariah Bonner as Wendy

• Christopher Berry as Deputy Dale

• Mattie Liptak as Sean

• Ritchie Montgomery as Sergeant Hodge

• Jonathan Baron as Paul

• Kara Maria Amedon as Heather

• Julio Cedillo as Miguel Salazar

• Sabrina Gennarino as Linda Salazar

• Director: Matthew Arnold

• Writer: Matthew Arnold

• Producers: Michael Ohoven, Mark Ordesky, Lawrence Robbins, Kirk Shaw

• Cinematographer: Gyula Pados

• Editor: Jon Endre Mørk

• Music: Brian Tyler

• Rating: PG-13

• Genre: Mystery & Thriller

• Release Date: Mar 19, 2013

• Runtime: 1h 28m

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