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IMDbPro

The Shape of Shadows

  • 2023
  • 1h 8m
IMDb RATING
5.0/10
21
YOUR RATING
The Shape of Shadows (2023)
Documentary

This documentary delves into Utah's supernatural mysteries, from UFO sightings to haunting ritual circles and other unexplained phenomena.This documentary delves into Utah's supernatural mysteries, from UFO sightings to haunting ritual circles and other unexplained phenomena.This documentary delves into Utah's supernatural mysteries, from UFO sightings to haunting ritual circles and other unexplained phenomena.

  • Director
    • Tony Merkel
  • Stars
    • Joseph Granda
    • Ward Hiney
    • Jack Merkel
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.0/10
    21
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Tony Merkel
    • Stars
      • Joseph Granda
      • Ward Hiney
      • Jack Merkel
    • 3User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    Top cast6

    Edit
    Joseph Granda
    Joseph Granda
    • Joseph Granda
    Ward Hiney
    Ward Hiney
    • Ward Hiney
    Jack Merkel
    Tony Merkel
    Tony Merkel
    • Tony Merkel
    Christian B. Roper
    Christian B. Roper
    • Christian B. Roper
    Joel Thomas
    • Joel Thomas
    • Director
      • Tony Merkel
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews3

    5.021
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    Featured reviews

    2edwinrosario-40392

    Not for me

    Well stuff was on there but good god what's up with the camera work like it felt I was watching a YouTube video shaking camera. But did help with my sleep knock out had to rewind where I fell asleep. Am a fan but this here sorry needs a big do over with the camera and maybe more footage less talking. Talk less more evidence other thing the lights I seen them 70 miles going north when you pass Area 51 I saw 6 that night when I was heading to California so took the back way to go where I was heading so the lights you guys caught was nice but holy hell that cam work got me sorry Tony but this one I would not watch again.
    1nottoday-572-807361

    What if Garbage

    Do you see that light. Lol

    Yeah lights exist, if you want to waste an hour of your life on this trash go ahead cause this excuse is filled with blurry lights, bad camera work, convoluted script and none sensical voice overdubs.

    Basically a bunch of guys go camping in Utah and discover nothing extrordinary, yet skin walkers, where you say? Not in this trashy excuse for a film where nothing exciting happens.

    There is nothing here but imaginative trying really hard to make believe, conspiracorial, try hard mythological exploitation.

    Using 2 native Americans as basic props to conjure a fake narrative for this conspiracorual trash is pure exploitation.

    Avoid, life is short.
    7becausejamie

    A Promising Premise Marred by Technical Shortcomings

    I approached "The Shape of Shadows" with an open mind, intrigued by its paranormal subject matter. The premise of exploring the enigmatic realm of shadows and their potential connection to the supernatural held promise, offering an opportunity for a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience. However, despite the intriguing concept, the film's execution fell short due to significant technical flaws undermining its overall impact.

    Subpar Sound Capture One of the most glaring issues that plagued "The Shape of Shadows" was its poor sound capture. Dialogue often sounded muffled and distorted, making it challenging to fully comprehend the conversations and nuances of the characters' interactions. This issue could have been more problematic during crucial expository scenes, where the audience should have been immersed in the unfolding narrative. Instead, the subpar audio quality was a constant distraction, pulling viewers out of the experience and hampering their ability to engage with the story fully.

    Amateurish Videography The film's videography also left much to be desired. The camera work was often shaky and poorly framed, resulting in shots that felt amateurish and lacking in artistic vision. This lack of technical proficiency was particularly evident during the more intense paranormal sequences, where the camera's inability to capture the action effectively diminished the intended sense of tension and suspense. Additionally, the lighting could have been more consistent, with some scenes appearing overexposed while others were shrouded in darkness, making it challenging to discern crucial details.

    Missed Opportunities for Atmosphere Given the film's paranormal subject matter, there were ample opportunities to create an atmosphere of dread and unease. However, the filmmakers should have capitalized on these moments, resulting in a lack of genuine tension and suspense. Sound design and visual effects could have been leveraged to heighten the sense of the otherworldly. Still, these elements could have been utilized or executed better, diminishing the film's overall impact.

    A Glimmer of Promise Despite the technical shortcomings, there were moments when the film's premise shone through, offering glimpses of its potential. Exploring the paranormal and the concept of shadows harboring otherworldly entities was intriguing. They could have been captivating if presented with more remarkable finesse and attention to detail. The filmmakers' ambition and willingness to tackle such a unique subject matter deserve recognition, demonstrating a desire to push boundaries and explore uncharted territory.

    In conclusion, while "The Shape of Shadows" presented an exciting and entertaining premise, its lack of production value and technical proficiency ultimately undermined its validity and impact. As a moviegoer, I implore the creators to learn from this experience and strive for greater technical mastery in their future endeavors. With a firmer grasp of sound capture, videography, and atmospheric storytelling, their next project could truly shine and captivate audiences with its unique vision and exploration of the paranormal.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • August 19, 2023 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • They want you to believe the paranormal ends at the gates of a ranch in Utah. But it doesn't.
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Utah, USA(Space Wolf Research)
    • Production company
      • Merkel Media
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $10,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 8 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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