Shadow in the Cloud

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 1, 2021

Genre
Action, Horror, War

Cast & Crew

• Chloë Grace Moretz as Maude Garrett
• Nick Robinson as Stu Beckell
• Beulah Koale as Anton Williams
• Taylor John Smith as Walter Quaid
• Callan Mulvey as John Reeves
• Benedict Wall as Tommy Dorn

Director
Roseanne Liang

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• My Wedding and Other Secrets (2011)

Producer
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger, Kelly McCormick

Writer
Max Landis, Roseanne Liang

Budget
$10 million

Production Company
Four Knights Film, Rhea Films, Automatik Entertainment

Running Time
83 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense violence and action sequences
• Strong language
• Fantasy horror elements

Movie Story
“Shadow in the Cloud” is an adrenaline-fueled action-horror film set during World War II. The story follows Maude Garrett (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young female flight officer with a mysterious package and a secret mission. She boards a B-17 bomber crewed entirely by men who are dismissive and hostile toward her presence. As the bomber takes to the skies over the Pacific, Maude finds herself confined to the plane’s claustrophobic gun turret, isolated from the rest of the crew.

As the flight progresses, strange and terrifying events begin to unfold. Maude spots a malevolent creature clinging to the plane, but her warnings are dismissed by the crew, who believe she is either hallucinating or trying to cover up something sinister. With tensions running high, Maude must prove her worth to the skeptical men while simultaneously battling the creature intent on tearing the plane apart mid-air.

At the same time, enemy fighters appear, and the crew must fight to survive both the external threat of the Japanese planes and the internal threat posed by the creature. As Maude’s true mission and the contents of her package are revealed, the film escalates into a high-octane battle for survival in the skies, blending elements of horror, action, and war drama. The film culminates in a thrilling and unexpected conclusion as Maude confronts not only the physical threats but also her own personal demons.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Shadow in the Cloud” are crucial in delivering the film’s blend of horror and action. The creature design is both menacing and imaginative, with CGI used to bring the gremlin to life in a convincingly terrifying way. The action sequences, particularly the aerial combat scenes, are well-executed, blending practical effects with digital enhancements to create intense and visually striking moments. The film’s confined setting within the bomber adds to the tension, making the special effects feel immediate and impactful.

Box Office Performance
“Shadow in the Cloud” was released during the pandemic, which limited its box office potential. However, it gained attention through streaming platforms and garnered a mix of reviews, with praise for Chloë Grace Moretz’s performance and the film’s unique blend of genres.

Filming Locations

• Auckland, New Zealand

Notable Quotes

• “There’s a war going on out there, and you’re not helping by acting like it’s just happening to you.”
• “You have no idea how far I’ll go.”

Behind-the-Scenes
The film underwent significant rewrites during its development, with director Roseanne Liang stepping in to revise the original screenplay. Chloë Grace Moretz performed many of her own stunts, including scenes in the tight confines of the gun turret. The film’s mix of horror, action, and feminist themes was designed to subvert traditional war movie tropes, focusing on a female protagonist who defies the expectations of those around her.

Awards

• Toronto International Film Festival: Midnight Madness Award

Final Verdict
“Shadow in the Cloud” is a bold and inventive action-horror film that stands out for its unique blend of genres and strong central performance by Chloë Grace Moretz. While the film’s premise may seem outlandish, it delivers a high-energy, entertaining ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its tight pacing, intense action sequences, and surprising twists, “Shadow in the Cloud” is a fun and thrilling watch, especially for fans of genre-bending cinema.

IMDb Rating
4.8/10