The much-anticipated psychological thriller Shadows and Silver finally hit theatres last weekend, leaving audiences split between awe and confusion. The film promised a mind-bending journey through grief, memory, and the supernatural, but does it deliver? Or does it get lost in its own ambition?
Set in the fog-drenched countryside of England, Shadows and Silver follows Eleanor Reed, a woman returning to her late grandmother’s secluded manor to settle her estate. What begins as a quiet trip quickly spirals into a chilling mystery as Eleanor uncovers a series of cryptic letters, hidden portraits, and whispers of a family secret that has long been buried, literally and figuratively. The film dances between reality and hallucination, forcing both Eleanor and the audience to question what is real. Is the manor truly haunted by the spirit of her ancestor, or is the isolation unraveling her sanity? Known for his meticulous visual storytelling, the director leans heavily on atmospheric horror rather than cheap jump scares, making every shadow in the dimly lit halls feel like an entity watching from the dark.
If nothing else, Shadow and Silver is undeniably stunning. The cinematographer crafts each frame with painterly precision, capturing the manor’s decaying grandeur and the eerie beauty of candle lit corridors. The use of color is particularly striking, cold blues and grays dominate the screen, only to be interrupted by the haunting glow of silver heirlooms, scattered throughout the house, tying into the film’s cryptic title. But the film’s true power lies in the lead actress’s performance. She carries the film on her shoulders, portraying Eleanor’s descent into obsession with chilling authenticity. Her expressions alone speak volumes, converting dread, curiosity, and grief all at once. Supporting performances added further depth to the film’s emotional core.
Where Shadow and Silver might lose some viewers is in its deliberately slow pacing and open-ended resolution. The director refuses to spoon-feed explanations, leaving many questions unanswered, an artistic choice that will either frustrate or mesmerize, depending on one’s taste. The film’s final act is particularly divisive, with some calling it a masterstroke of ambiguity and others labeling it as unnecessarily convoluted. Critics have already taken sides. “I believe this film was exactly what people needed these days. I’ve never been scared by a horror film before, but Shadow and Silver really knows how to get the heart racing,” states Elyse (12). While some others disagree. “I was completely bored by this film. The horror was too drawn out and the jump scares weren’t even scary,” argues Nathan (12).
Leaving the question, is Shadow and Silver worth the watch? Well that depends. For someone who enjoys psychological horror in the vein of The Others or Hereditary, with a heavy dose of aesthetic storytelling and emotional depth, then they’ll likely be captivated by this film. However, for someone who prefers straightforward horror with clear resolutions this film might leave them more frustrated than fascinated. One thing is for certain, whether a person loves or hates the film, Shadow and Silver is a film that demands discussion, and that, in itself, is a sign of a story well told.
