Netflix’s latest addition has sparked a heated debate among its viewers, with reactions ranging from high praise to sheer disappointment. The film in question, directed by Roseanne Liang and released in 2021, is an action-packed movie starring Chloë Grace Moretz, Taylor John Smith, and Nick Robinson. In “Shadow in the Cloud,” Moretz plays WWII female pilot Maude Garrett, who, while transporting top-secret documents on a flight with an all-male crew, faces a sinister presence aboard the aircraft.
The narrative builds to an intense climax as Maude must not only fend off an air ambush but also tackle the evil force inside the plane, striving to protect her crew and the crucial documents.
The movie first garnered attention during its premiere at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, where it clinched the People’s Choice Award for Midnight Madness. Despite its modest box office success, grossing just over $1 million, “Shadow in the Cloud” has received polarizing reviews since its Netflix release.
In the Netflix Bangers Facebook group, opinions varied widely. One enthusiastic fan posted a screenshot of the film poster, exclaiming, ” 10/10. Suspenseful, scary, good acting, intriguing.” Others echoed this sentiment, with one viewer rating it “20/10” and sharing that even their “picky 9-year-old loved the movie.” Additional comments included praise for the film’s empowerment themes and its unique perspective, with one person noting, “Loved that one! So unique that so much happened with us only seeing from her perspective in the gunner seat for over half of the movie.”
However, not everyone was impressed. Among the critical voices, one viewer remarked, “Intriguing sure. I couldn’t stop watching but not good, not even a little bit lol.” Another critic lamented the film’s attempt to blend genres, saying it “tried to be like 3 genres in one and failed miserably at all of them.” A particularly harsh review described the movie as a “disappointing movie that lacked substance, mishmash of ideas and not worth the time to watch – shame.”
The film’s reception on Rotten Tomatoes reflects this divide, with a 32 percent audience score contrasting a 77 percent critic score.
If your curiosity has been piqued, “Shadow in the Cloud” is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Whether you find it a thrilling ride or a turbulent letdown, it’s certainly stirring up a storm among viewers.