In the Shadow of Cypress (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

Struggling with PTSD (though I’ve come to adopt the phrase PTSS–Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome), a former captain struggles with the hurdles of daily life. When he and his daughter discover a beached whale outside their window, they must attempt to overcome their hardship and save the whale’s life. In the Shadow of Cypress chronicles the challenges that come with PTSS, particularly how it affects those around you. 

Given the topic of In the Shadow of Cypress, I’ll admit that I was shocked to learn that this is an animated film. The film dives right into the severity of our characters’ struggles, with the father losing his temper and eventually banging his own head against the wall. The visceral nature of this opening scene allowed me to quickly forget my initial shock, and as the vivid expression of this animation film created an emotional response within me, I quickly realized that animation may have been the best choice for this short film. Using animation rather than live action, In the Shadow of Cypress is able to create a story that almost transcends space and time without having to deal with the constraints of live action, allowing the film to become a bit more visceral at times. I’m sure there are budgetary constraints as well, but regardless what the series of reasons were, I found In the Shadow of Cypress’ use of animation to be warranted and effective. 

What In the Shadow of Cypress does so well is right in its title. The film uses shadows to create drama and suspense–reeling viewers into the story and providing them genuine insight into the trauma that surrounds this father and daughter. The regular use of shadows to develop these aforementioned emotions and sensations allows In the Shadow of Cypress to effectively flow without any hiccups. With a series of flashbacks on behalf of the father, Directors Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani must ensure that the transitions between time periods are seamless, and as the father is often engulfed in those prominently-featured shadows, those transitions occur flawlessly. 

In the Shadow of Cypress questions whether or not doing a good deed is worth it if we never personally experience the benefits. Does the daughter know by the end of the film that the whale has been saved? I’m not entirely sure that she does, as she seems distraught by the film’s conclusion. However, there’s something of an understanding that the whale has survived thanks to her efforts–and while she may never know this, it’s a commendable act nonetheless. The question of ethics and morality present in In the Shadow of Cypress is a pivotal contributor to the film’s success, to its accessibility. 

In the Shadow of Cypress is an emotional ride that quickly takes a turn from something that is inherently accessible, to something that feels like it may initially struggle to reach viewers emotionally. The ebb and flow of this film, and the use of shadows cast on our protagonists, however, invites viewers into a film of familiarity, of beauty and grace. In the Shadow of Cypress is effective in its journey to be an emotional powerhouse, exploring ethical ideals and this thing we call life. 

Written & Directed by Hossein Molayemi & Shirin Sohani. 

Starring Zahra Moosavi.

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING