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Action horror film

Shadow in the Cloud (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Where to Watch

Shadow in the Cloud (2021) movie poster

Shadow in the Cloud is a 2021 action horror film directed by Roseanne Liang, starring Chloë Grace Moretz as Maude Garrett, Taylor John Smith and Callan Mulvey. It runs 1 hour 23 minutes and earned $1.1 million worldwide. It won 1 award from 1 nomination, including People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness at the TIFF 2020. Critics gave it 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic. Stream it on Hoopla and Kanopy, or rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.

Rotten Tomatoes
77%
worldwide gross
$1.1M
award won
1
Echo Score
75
Shadow in the Cloud (2021) movie poster
Release year
Runtime
1h 23m (83 min)
Director
Roseanne Liang
Genres
Action , Horror , War
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Shadow in the Cloud About?

The premise of Shadow in the Cloud without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

During World War II, Captain Maude Garrett joins the crew of a B-17 bomber, challenging the all-male dynamic and facing skepticism. As the war intensifies, she struggles to prove her worth while grappling with personal secrets. Unexpected and disturbing events begin to occur aboard the plane, suggesting a sinister presence. Facing an unknown and potentially supernatural threat, Maude must confront both external dangers and her own inner turmoil to protect her crew and survive.

Where to watch

Where to Watch Shadow in the Cloud

Stream it on Hoopla and Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

Cast & crew

Shadow in the Cloud Cast & Characters

Chloë Grace Moretz leads the cast as Maude Garrett, with Taylor John Smith as Walter Quaid and Callan Mulvey as John Reeves. Directed by Roseanne Liang; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Shadow in the Cloud

· 6 more
Ratings

Shadow in the Cloud Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Shadow in the Cloud 77% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in story & flow (55).

75 /100

Shadow in the Cloud Echo Score Breakdown

Shadow in the Cloud excels with its inventive visual style and committed lead performance, but it struggles with uneven pacing and a convoluted plot. Critics frequently praise its inventive direction and campy energy on a limited budget, and viewers often applaud Chloe Grace Moretz’s compelling portrayal amid the airborne horrors. However, many note that the narrative loses coherence after its strong opening and that the gremlin effects sometimes undercut immersion. Ultimately, it remains an engaging genre exercise tempered by narrative inconsistency.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, the film features inventive visuals and energetic stunt work that capitalize on its modest budget. Critics highlight the inventive camerawork and production design, while viewers commend the low-budget ingenuity in crafting tense set pieces. Some effects occasionally reveal resource limitations. Overall, the direction and visual style largely elevate the film’s appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, Chloe Grace Moretz’s performance anchors the film with clear conviction and screen presence. Multiple reviewers laud her capacity to sustain engagement in confined settings, and viewers celebrate her dynamic portrayal amid comic-horror elements. Supporting characters receive less depth, with some dialogue feeling uneven. Nonetheless, the central performance provides consistent emotional drive.

  • Story & Flow 55

    In terms of story and flow, the film’s originality and brisk opening sequence draw early interest but give way to narrative convolution and pacing lapses. Critics and users note historical inaccuracies and a midfilm slowdown that undercuts engagement, and the plot’s logical inconsistencies sometimes strain suspension of disbelief. Overall, the storyline remains uneven, balancing creativity with coherence issues.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    When it comes to sensory experience, the movie delivers a vibrant audio-visual palette, including an ’80s-inspired synth score and bold sound design that reinforce its genre blend. The inventive visuals and stunts earn praise for tension and atmosphere, though occasional puppet effects expose budgetary limits. On balance, the film offers a lively and distinct sensory identity that largely entertains.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s campy thrills and central performance invite repeat viewings among fans of B-movie horror. Viewers mention memorable stunts and comic-horror elements that reward subsequent watches, while others find the narrative inconsistencies and occasional cheap effects diminish long-term appeal. Ultimately, it provides modest replay value for audiences drawn to its unique genre mash-up.

Plot

Shadow in the Cloud Plot Summary

What happens in Shadow in the Cloud from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As Pilot Officer Maude Garrett (Chloë Grace Moretz) arrives in Samoa with a top-secret package, she encounters skepticism from the diverse Allied aircrew aboard the B-17 bomber, aptly named “The Fool’s Errand.” Initially, they are dismissive of her presence but begrudgingly allow her onto the aircraft. Maude, feeling the weight of their scrutiny, finds herself confined in the empty Sperry ball turret, reluctantly handing over her document valise to the only crew member who is supportive, USAAF dorsal gunner Walter Quaid (Taylor John Smith).

Full summary

The whole story of Shadow in the Cloud, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Shadow in the Cloud Box Office

Shadow in the Cloud grossed $1.1 million worldwide. $156,932 came from the US and Canada and $897,358 (85%) from the rest of the world.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.1M

US & Canada
$156.9K
International
$897.4K
US & Canada 15% Rest of the world 85%
Awards

Shadow in the Cloud Awards & Nominations

Shadow in the Cloud won 1 award from 1 nomination, including People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness at the TIFF 2020.

1 win1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Shadow in the Cloud Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 teaser.

Shadow in the Cloud Trailer (2021)
  • Teaser Shadow in the Cloud | Official Teaser (HD) | Vertical Entertainment
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Shadow in the Cloud?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is Maude Garrett's initial role on the B-17 bomber?

Details

Shadow in the Cloud Also Known As

30 alternative titles, including “Тень в облаках” and “쉐도우 인 더 클라우드”.

Also known as
  • Тень в облаках
  • 쉐도우 인 더 클라우드
  • Pasajero oculto
  • Uma Sombra na Nuvem
  • 高凶任務
  • Una sombra en la nube
  • ประจัญบาน อสูรเวหา
  • Воздушный бой
  • 섀도우 클라우드
  • Тінь у хмарах
  • 致命天際線
  • Buluttaki Gölge
+18 more
  • Сянка в облака
  • 云中阴影
  • O Passageiro Oculto
  • Obcy pasażer
  • Stín v oblacích
  • Sjena straha
  • צל בענן
  • سایه در ابر
  • Ác Quỷ Trên Không
  • Árny a felhők között
  • Debesies šešėlis
  • Ēna mākoņos
  • Сенка у облацима
  • O umbra intre nori
  • Tieň v oblakoch
  • シャドウ・イン・クラウド
  • Senca strahu
  • ظل في السحاب

Seen Shadow in the Cloud?

FAQ

Shadow in the Cloud FAQ: Where to Watch, Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, where to watch, box office, ratings and awards of Shadow in the Cloud, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Shadow in the Cloud?

Shadow in the Cloud runs 1 hour 23 minutes (83 minutes).

When was Shadow in the Cloud released?

Shadow in the Cloud was released in 2021.

Who directed Shadow in the Cloud?

Shadow in the Cloud was directed by Roseanne Liang.

More films by Roseanne Liang

Who is in the cast of Shadow in the Cloud?

Shadow in the Cloud stars Chloë Grace Moretz as Maude Garrett, Taylor John Smith as Walter Quaid and Callan Mulvey as John Reeves, among 10 credited actors.

Where can I watch Shadow in the Cloud?

In the US, Shadow in the Cloud is streaming on Hoopla, Kanopy and Tubi TV and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home (availability from JustWatch).

How much did Shadow in the Cloud make at the box office?

Shadow in the Cloud grossed $1.1 million worldwide ($156,932 domestic, $897,358 international).

How is Shadow in the Cloud rated?

Shadow in the Cloud has 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic, 58% on TMDB and 2.5/5 on Letterboxd.

What awards did Shadow in the Cloud win?

Shadow in the Cloud won 1 award from 1 nomination, including People's Choice Award: Midnight Madness at the TIFF 2020.

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