Alan Ritchson’s Hidden Gem: Why ‘Above the Shadows’ Deserves More Recognition!

by

In 2019, actor Alan Ritchson, who plays Reacher, featured in a lesser-known yet charming romantic fantasy film titled Above the Shadows. Despite being relatively unnoticed in cinemas, this movie didn’t receive much attention or screen time. It’s unfortunate because its heartwarming and subtle romance is genuinely captivating. As it slipped under the radar for most viewers, Above the Shadows might now gain a new audience through streaming platforms.

As a passionate cinephile, I find myself drawn to the captivating drama, “Above the Shadows,” where Olivia Thirlby embodies Holly, a young woman grappling with profound grief following the loss of her mother. This sorrow has not only affected Holly emotionally but has also transformed her into an invisible presence in the eyes of those around her – her loved ones, mentors, and even her boss. The A-list celebrities she photographs in her role as a paparazzo remain oblivious to her existence as she skillfully captures their most scandalous moments on film.

In an unexpected encounter with ex-MMA fighter Shayne Blackwell (portrayed by Alan Ritchson), Holly finds herself astonished as he’s the sole individual capable of perceiving her. Later on, she uncovers their unique bond: her past as a paparazzi had negatively impacted Shayne’s career. With newfound determination, Holly intends to rectify Shayne’s situation, believing that making amends for her past mistakes might finally pave the way for her own future.

‘Above the Shadows’ Shows a Simple and Sweet Romance

Above the Shadows” is a straightforward film, yet in an appealing manner. It avoids complications from excessive subplots or over-the-top fantasies. Instead, it offers a stark and invigorating tale about two damaged individuals who discover themselves and each other. Unlike stories that lean heavily on the idea of ‘love as a cure-all,’ Shayne and Holly’s journeys are not overshadowed by their romantic entanglements. Thirlby and Ritchson deliver captivating performances, and there’s no denying the chemistry between their characters.

In the fantasy film “Above the Shadows,” Holly’s invisibility appears authentic, as if it were a genuine ability rather than a whimsical element. The director avoids portraying it as a jest or mere magic, instead presenting it as part of the movie’s reality. This commitment to realism gives the film a surreal quality, suggesting that the world bends to conceal Holly. This creative choice provides an insightful perspective on Holly’s grief. The movie tackles profound themes like grief, love, brokenness, and healing, but it does so delicately without overemphasizing any one aspect. This careful approach prevents the film from becoming overly lengthy, even when it could easily become slow-paced in certain scenes.

Where To Watch ‘Above the Shadows’

Nowadays, you can watch “Above the Shadows” free of charge across various streaming platforms like Pluto TV, Plex, and Tubi. This widespread accessibility offers viewers a chance to embark on an enriching cinematic journey. Contrastingly, its initial screenings were quite low-key. After debuting at the Brooklyn Film Festival, “Above the Shadows” received minimal attention. The movie was only shown in a select number of theaters. Its maximum reach was 38 screens in Turkey, where it made slightly over $1,200 in total ticket sales during its opening weekend. Evidently, its main distribution strategy was video-on-demand, which launched on July 19, 2019.

The movie garnered a 70% rating by critics and a 65% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on nearly 1,000 reviews. On Amazon, it earned an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars from viewers. The movie is rated TV-14 due to instances of mild violence, gore, and occasional profanity. Despite the presence of some violence and action scenes, they are integral to the plot and not excessively graphic.

The movie “Above the Shadows” features Jim Gaffigan in a more reserved role as Holly’s father. Megan Fox appears as Shayne’s former partner, Juliana. Joining them are Maria Dizzia (from “Going In Style”), David Johansen (known for “Scrooged”), Owen Campbell (“Boardwalk Empire”), and Pawel Szajda (“For All Mankind”). Notably, professional MMA fighter Tito Ortiz is also part of the cast.

Initially, some viewers might have missed it when it first came out, but “Above the Shadows” is a captivating movie that’s definitely worth revisiting. Its realistic fantasy aspects create a heartwarming tale about love and recovery for Holly and Shayne. Although it may not have received much attention initially, the understated quality and allure of this film make “Above the Shadows” deserving of another glance.

Read More

2025-05-18 23:33