In His Shadow Review – an empty and generic Brotherhood story

Directed by Marc Fouchard, we review the 2023 Netflix movie In His Shadow with no spoilers.

In his shadow explores the relationship between two brothers who grew up with a very loving and successful father.

The two brothers are different and have inherited different aspects from their father. No matter what happens to either of them, they are constantly reminded of who their father is because of the family business. It’s always hard to live up to certain expectations, but these two brothers have lives of their own.

There are many obstacles they have to face and it’s always hard when two brothers compete. There are other forces of nature that can change their dynamics and cause them to lose touch with who they used to be because life gets in their way.

In his Shadow Review and Plot Summary

To put it simply, the film is about two brothers who go their separate ways after the death of their father. In a way, they’re following in his footsteps, but on the other hand, the way they live their lives changes who they are.

If Adama (Alassane Diong) was younger, he had a black magic accident that blinded him. Which many would consider a disadvantage, but he fights for himself and what he wants, eventually becoming stronger than anyone could have imagined.

His half brother Ibrahim (kaaris) turns to a life of crime while Adama uses his skills to pursue his music career.

Is In His Shadow 2023 Movie Good?

Unfortunately, the story leaves a lot to the imagination as it feels like a generic brotherhood story. Given the path the brothers take, the journey to their intended confrontation makes no sense given how opposite they are. They could have lived their separate lives without getting in each other’s way.

The pacing of the film is a big problem because these characters don’t have enough depth. It feels like the story barely explores family dynamics, and the film could have benefited from a longer running time. It felt underdeveloped because we didn’t understand the full extent of the fraternal connection and even separation between the two.

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There are some great moments in this film because it shows Adamma’s blindness. director Marc Fouchard really does a great job of uniquely framing Adamma moving through life with his enhanced sense of hearing due to blindness. The Black Magic scenes felt a bit disjointed because they were placed at odd points in the film.

The connection between the Black Magic and the outcome for the brothers was fragile and didn’t add the extra kick Fouchard was expecting.

What did you think of the 2023 Netflix film In His Shadow? Comment below.

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