Shadow in the Cloud is a 2020 action-horror film starring Chloë Grace Moretz. The movie follows Flight Officer Maude Garrett on a secret mission aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress during WWII, where she must battle a misogynistic crew and a malevolent creature lurking on the plane.
Ever stumbled upon a movie so wild and genre-bending that you weren’t sure what you just watched—but couldn’t stop thinking about it? That’s often the experience with Shadow in the Cloud. The film drops you into the harrowing skies of World War II with a secret package, a damaged bomber, and a terrifying creature. Starring the incredible Chloë Grace Moretz as Flight Officer Maude Garrett, it throws everything at you: from intense aerial combat to genuine creature horror, all while exploring themes of sexism and survival amidst the literal shadow in the cloud. It’s a pulpy, action-packed ride that leaves many viewers scratching their heads and others cheering.
If you’ve heard the buzz, seen the trailer, or are simply curious about this unique 2020 thriller, you’re in the right place. We’re diving deep into everything Shadow in the Cloud has to offer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll peel back the layers of its often-bonkers plot and uncover the mystery behind the terrifying gremlin monster. We’ll also help you decide if this high-octane, polarizing wartime creature feature is truly worth your precious viewing time. Get ready to navigate the turbulent skies and discover what truly lurks within the darkness.
From its initial setup to its most shocking twists, we’ll break down the key elements that make Shadow in the Cloud such a memorable—and divisive—watch. So, buckle up. Our mission begins by answering the fundamental question: what exactly is Shadow in the Cloud?
What is Shadow in the Cloud?
A Spoiler-Free Plot Summary
Ever wondered what happens when you mix a World War II bomber, a mysterious package, and a terrifying creature? Well, buckle up for Shadow in the Cloud!
This high-octane action-horror-thriller takes viewers on a wild ride. The story centers on Flight Officer Maude Garrett, who boards a B-17 Flying Fortress called “The Fool’s Errand” during World War II while carrying a top-secret package.
Maude’s challenges begin immediately. The all-male crew greets her with skepticism and open misogyny, confining her to a vulnerable position in the ball turret, a small gun station at the bottom of the plane.
However, Maude soon discovers she isn’t just facing human threats. As Japanese fighter planes appear in the sky, an even more sinister presence emerges: a mythical creature known as a gremlin begins tearing the plane apart from the outside.
Fighting on multiple fronts, Maude must battle enemy fighters, the crew’s distrust, and the destructive gremlin—all while protecting her precious cargo. The film delivers relentless tension by blending aerial combat with creature-feature scares, keeping you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists and turns.
Main Cast and Characters
Shadow in the Cloud features a strong cast that brings its intense story to life. Here are the key players:
- Chloe Grace Moretz as Flight Officer Maude Garrett: The film’s determined protagonist, Maude is a skilled pilot on a secret mission. She faces incredible odds with grit and resilience, and Moretz delivers a powerful, physical performance.
- Nick Robinson as Staff Sergeant Stu Beckell: As one of the more sympathetic crew members, Beckell shows Maude some respect, providing a welcome contrast to the others’ hostility.
- Callan Mulvey as Captain John Reeves: The pilot of “The Fool’s Errand,” Reeves is initially dismissive of Maude but becomes crucial as the plot unfolds.
- Taylor John Smith as First Lieutenant Walter Quaid: The co-pilot, Quaid represents the crew’s chauvinism, and his hostile interactions with Maude help drive the conflict.
- Beulah Koale as Sergeant Tech William Hollister: Hollister is another crew member whose presence adds to the group’s dynamic as they face the unfolding chaos.
Directed by Roseanne Liang, the film expertly crafts a unique blend of genres, and the cast’s performances truly enhance the movie’s gripping atmosphere.
What was the monster in Shadow in the Cloud?
Meet the Gremlin: The Film’s Creature Feature
The true terror in Shadow in the Cloud isn’t just enemy planes or a hostile crew. It’s the film’s titular creature: a grotesque, winged monster known as a gremlin. This beast acts as the primary, relentless antagonist for Maude Garrett, adding a thrilling creature-feature element to the World War II action.
This isn’t your average mythical creature. The film’s gremlin is a vicious, shadowy entity that is surprisingly strong and incredibly destructive. It specifically targets Maude’s B-17 bomber, the “Fool’s Errand,” with malicious intent.
Here’s how the gremlin makes its terrifying presence felt:
- Sabotage and Destruction: The creature actively dismantles the plane mid-flight. It tears at wiring, damages the engines, and creates critical structural failures.
- Relentless Pursuit: The gremlin seems singularly focused on Maude and her mysterious package, an obsession that drives much of the film’s claustrophobic tension.
- Physical Threat: While mostly seen in flashes and shadows, the gremlin is a formidable physical opponent. Maude is forced to battle it directly, often with just her bare hands, in extremely perilous situations.
- Unseen Menace: For much of the film, the male crew questions whether the creature even exists. This deepens Maude’s isolation and enhances the psychological horror she faces.
Ultimately, the gremlin embodies the unseen dangers of aerial combat. It turns the abstract fear of mechanical failure into a horrifying, tangible monster, forcing Maude to confront a supernatural threat while also battling human enemies and a raging storm.
The WWII Folklore Behind the Gremlin
The concept of gremlins wasn’t invented for the movie. Shadow in the Cloud cleverly draws from genuine World War II folklore, a legend that was popular among Allied airmen, particularly those in Britain’s Royal Air Force (RAF).
During WWII, pilots and ground crews faced immense pressure and unexplained dangers. When bizarre mechanical failures or sudden engine stalls had no logical cause, the idea of gremlins offered an explanation. These mischievous, malevolent entities became the scapegoats for all sorts of aviation problems.
Key aspects of the gremlin folklore include:
- Origin of the Term: The word “gremlin” likely originated within the RAF in the late 1920s or 1930s and gained widespread recognition during the war.
- Purpose of the Myth: Gremlins served as a coping mechanism for the stress of combat. Blaming a mythical creature for unexplainable issues was often easier than acknowledging a potential flaw in one’s aircraft or skill.
- Depictions: While details varied, gremlins were generally imagined as small, goblin-like creatures with a love for tampering with machinery, especially aircraft.
- Literary Popularity: The folklore was popularized by author Roald Dahl, a former RAF pilot, whose 1943 children’s book The Gremlins introduced the concept to a much wider audience.
The film brilliantly uses this historical context, taking a whimsical piece of military lore and making it terrifyingly real. By grounding the supernatural elements in a shared historical anxiety, Shadow in the Cloud transforms the gremlin into more than just a monster. It becomes a manifestation of wartime paranoia and the ever-present fear of mechanical failure.
Why is there a baby in Shadow in the Cloud?
Unpacking the ‘Top Secret’ Package
Early in Shadow in the Cloud, one of the biggest mysteries is the “top secret” package that Flight Officer Maude Garrett fiercely protects. This unusual cargo immediately raises questions: Why is it so important, and why is Maude risking everything for it?
As the plot unfolds, we discover the package’s true nature: it contains her newborn baby, also named Maude. This revelation completely reshapes our understanding of her mission. She isn’t just a military courier; she is a mother on a desperate journey to protect her child.
Here are the key aspects of this shocking reveal:
- A Hidden Identity: Maude boarded the B-17 Flying Fortress “The Fool’s Errand” under the false pretense of transporting classified material.
- Personal Stakes: Her true purpose is deeply personal, as she is fleeing an abusive situation to reunite with her husband’s family in New Zealand.
- Defying Expectations: The presence of a baby challenges the conventional image of a WWII servicewoman, adding a layer of both vulnerability and fierce resolve to Maude’s character.
This secret creates immediate tension, setting Maude apart from the all-male crew and complicating her already perilous journey.
How the Baby Drives Maude’s Actions and the Plot
The baby is the beating heart of Shadow in the Cloud. Every decision Maude makes and every risk she takes is motivated by her maternal instinct to protect her child. This singular focus drives the entire narrative forward.
Maude’s initial placement in the claustrophobic ball turret highlights this dynamic. Isolated and trapped, her concern for the baby never wavers, creating incredible suspense. From this vulnerable position, she must protect her child from multiple threats, including a terrifying Gremlin, Japanese fighter planes, and the hostile, sexist attitudes of her fellow crew members.
The baby’s presence fuels Maude’s extraordinary courage, pushing her beyond normal human limits. Consider these pivotal moments:
- Escaping the Ball Turret: Maude risks life and limb to climb through the damaged bomber’s belly, driven by the sole aim of reaching her baby as the Gremlin attacks.
- Confronting the Crew: Despite enduring sexist remarks and disbelief, she eventually reveals her secret, earning the respect of some of the crew.
- Fighting the Gremlin: Maude directly engages the monstrous creature, not for patriotism, but to safeguard her child’s future, making her determination palpable.
- Survival Instinct: Even when faced with overwhelming odds, Maude finds strength in her baby’s cries, which motivate her to keep fighting for survival.
As a result, the baby transforms the film from a simple creature feature into a powerful story of motherhood and resilience. Maude’s unwavering love for her child is the core emotional anchor of Shadow in the Cloud, acting as the engine that powers her through every perilous encounter.
Is Shadow in the Cloud worth watching?
The Strengths: Action, Pacing, and Performance
Let’s start with what makes Shadow in the Cloud shine. The movie is a wild ride, defined by its relentless action, masterful pacing, and a captivating lead performance.
From the outset, the film thrusts you into a high-stakes scenario filled with claustrophobia and danger. The action sequences are particularly inventive and thrilling, especially those set outside the bomber, pushing the boundaries of the creature feature genre.
The pacing is just as intense. The tension rarely lets up, keeping you on the edge of your seat as director Roseanne Liang expertly crafts suspense. Every creak and groan of the plane feels ominous.
Anchoring the film is a standout performance from Chloë Grace Moretz as Maude Garrett. She carries the entire movie, portraying a determined and resourceful woman with power and believability. Moretz fully embodies Maude’s struggle and resolve, making her a compelling hero who drew wide praise from critics [1].
If you enjoy unique, high-octane films with strong female leads, the strengths of Shadow in the Cloud will certainly appeal to you.
The Weaknesses: Divisive Elements and Tonal Shifts
Despite its strengths, Shadow in the Cloud is not without its flaws. Several elements have proven divisive, often leading to a love-it-or-hate-it reaction from viewers.
A primary concern is the film’s significant tonal shifts. It begins as a tense, psychological thriller but gradually veers into over-the-top action and campy creature-feature territory. For some audiences, this blending of genres feels jarring and prevents a consistent tone from taking hold.
Another potential hurdle is the film’s approach to realism. The plot requires a considerable suspension of disbelief, particularly during Maude’s incredible feats of physical endurance. While these outlandish action sequences are exciting, they may pull some viewers out of the immersive experience.
The creature design also draws mixed reactions. The gremlin is seen by some as effective and menacing, thanks to its practical effects. Others, however, find its CGI depiction less convincing, which can detract from the horror [2].
Finally, the film’s feminist themes can feel heavy-handed. The dialogue from the male crew is often overtly misogynistic, coming across as caricature rather than nuanced characterization. This lack of subtlety might be a turn-off for viewers who prefer a more delicate approach to social commentary.
Final Verdict: Who Should Watch This Movie?
So, is Shadow in the Cloud worth watching? The answer depends entirely on your taste. While not for everyone, the film offers a unique experience that will resonate with a specific type of moviegoer.
You should definitely watch this movie if you:
- Enjoy genre-bending films that combine action, horror, and thriller elements.
- Appreciate movies with strong, independent female protagonists who take charge.
- Are a fan of Chloë Grace Moretz and want to see a powerful performance.
- Don’t mind a little campiness mixed with serious thrills.
- Are looking for something truly original and unafraid to be different.
- Like claustrophobic settings and high-stakes scenarios, especially in a WWII backdrop.
However, you might want to skip Shadow in the Cloud if you:
- Prefer a consistent, realistic tone in your films.
- Struggle with suspending disbelief for over-the-top action sequences.
- Are looking for a historically accurate WWII drama without fantastical elements.
- Dislike overt or heavy-handed social commentary.
- Are easily bothered by moments that straddle the line between serious and absurd.
Ultimately, Shadow in the Cloud is a bold, energetic, and surprising film that stands out from the crowd. If you’re open to a high-octane thrill ride that defies easy categorization, give it a watch. For the right audience, its strengths will far outweigh its weaknesses.
Where can you watch Shadow in the Cloud?
Current Streaming Options
Trying to find where Shadow in the Cloud is streaming? It can feel like a treasure hunt, as a movie’s availability often shifts. We’ve compiled a list of likely platforms, but it’s always a good idea to double-check them directly.
Historically, Shadow in the Cloud has appeared on various services. For instance, it had its exclusive U.S. premiere on Hulu [3] and has been available on other platforms globally.
To see if it’s included with your current subscriptions, start by checking these popular services:
- Hulu: Given its U.S. premiere on the service, this is a great first place to check.
- Netflix: Its massive library is always changing, so the film could land here at any time.
- Amazon Prime Video: Check if it’s included with your Prime membership or available through a linked channel.
- Paramount+: This service regularly rotates its movie catalog, making it a potential home for the film.
- Max (formerly HBO Max): With its extensive film library, it’s another strong possibility.
Keep in mind that availability depends on your region due to licensing agreements. The quickest way to know for sure is to search for the title directly within your favorite streaming apps.
Digital Rental and Purchase Platforms
If Shadow in the Cloud isn’t available on your streaming services, you can still get instant access by renting or buying it from a digital platform. Renting gives you a short window to watch, while purchasing lets you own it forever.
This option gives you the flexibility to watch the intense action whenever you wish, and purchased copies often include bonus features. Here are the most common platforms for renting or buying Shadow in the Cloud:
- Amazon Prime Video: A popular hub for both renting and buying digital movies.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Known for high-quality digital purchases and rentals.
- Google Play Movies & TV: A convenient option, especially for Android users.
- YouTube Movies & TV: Offers a similar library of movies for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: A great source for a wide catalog, including 4K UHD versions.
- Microsoft Store: The go-to platform for Xbox and Windows users.
Whether you rent or buy, these services let you dive into the thrilling world of Shadow in the Cloud without delay. Enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the monster in Shadow in the Cloud?
The creature terrorizing the B-17 bomber in Shadow in the Cloud is a gremlin, a mythological, imp-like being from aviation folklore. Known for causing mischief and mechanical failures, this old wartime legend is brought to terrifying life in the film.
This particular gremlin is depicted as a grotesque, bat-like creature with sharp claws and an unsettling, almost human-like intelligence. Its presence on the aircraft’s wing not only threatens the crew but also heightens the already intense stakes for protagonist Maude Garrett [4].
Will there be a Shadow in the Cloud 2?
Currently, there has been no official announcement for a sequel, Shadow in the Cloud 2. This is likely because the film functions as a standalone story, offering a complete narrative arc for its protagonist, Maude Garrett.
Although the ending leaves a glimmer of hope, it doesn’t explicitly set up a follow-up. Since horror-action films like this often conclude their stories in a single installment, a direct sequel seems unlikely. For now, fans can enjoy the original as a unique, self-contained adventure.
Where can I find the Shadow in the Cloud trailer?
If you want a preview of the action before watching, the official trailer for Shadow in the Cloud is readily available online. You can easily find it on platforms like YouTube to see the film’s intense atmosphere and creature feature elements.
We recommend watching the trailer to get a feel for its unique blend of high-flying suspense and horror. You can view the official trailer directly here [5].
