The Seed Of The Sacred Fig Movie Review: This political thriller is powerful, uncompromising, and brilliant
The Seed Of The Sacred Fig
Critic's Rating: 4.0/5
Story: Amidst political unrest in Tehran, investigator and judge Iman grows paranoid under political pressure, which worsens when he loses his revolver.
Review: ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ captivates despite its lengthy 167-minute runtime, offering a gripping narrative of a Tehran-based family's gradual unravelling amid political turmoil. The film centers on Iman (Missagh Zareh), a government investigator poised to become a judge who faces intense pressure to deliver government-favourable verdicts, including a looming death sentence for a 21-year-old protestor. Iman's seemingly idyllic family life—with his devoted wife, Najmeh (Soheila Golestani) and two daughters, Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki)—is disrupted when Rezvan brings home her injured friend Sadaf (Niousha Akhshi), a protest victim. The family's precarious situation intensifies when Iman’s official revolver goes missing, threatening his career and freedom. The film skilfully fuses together personal and political struggles, creating a poignant reflection on loyalty, morality, and the impact of political unrest on private lives.
This thriller-drama offers an intimate portrayal of a family’s unravelling amidst political unrest, capturing the tension with remarkable authenticity. The film’s use of real protest footage makes the story feel more realistic and connected to actual events. Focusing on just four family members, it scrutinises the complex challenges arising from the country's shifting political landscape. Each character navigates a moral dilemma, with Iman embodying the fear and compliance of the middle class under a repressive regime—a portrayal skilfully handled by director Mohammad Rasoulof. The film also subtly highlights the evolving role of women, hinting at a cultural shift towards Western ideals. Rasoulof masterfully weaves these themes into an engaging and thought-provoking narrative.
Beyond its compelling plot and well-crafted screenplay, this film thrives on the strength of its performances. Missagh Zareh delivers a standout portrayal of Iman, a dedicated investigator on the brink of promotion. His depiction of a patriarch torn between his love for his family and the pressures of survival under a repressive regime is both poignant and powerful, capturing the complexities of his character’s internal conflict. Soheila Golestani’s portrayal of Najmeh, the caring yet conflicted wife, is equally impressive. Her restrained, emotive performance lingers long after the credits roll. Mahsa Rostami and Setareh Maleki, as Rezvan and Sana, respectively, bring authenticity and emotional gravitas, rounding out the cast’s remarkable contributions.
‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ begins by drawing viewers into the seemingly mundane life of a family, making the sudden shift all the more striking once the revolver enters the picture. What was once a harmonious household quickly descends into panic. The father fears for his job, the mother is consumed by the threat to the family’s reputation, while the daughters grapple with their uncertain futures. Director Mohammad Rasoulof paints a vivid portrait of these escalating tensions, using the screenplay not only to depict the unravelling of a family but also to subtly comment on the broader societal issues plaguing the country.
While this thriller-drama may not be flawless, it stands as a courageous and bold cinematic work that challenges authority with unflinching resolve. The film is filled with powerful moments, particularly the intense scene where Najmeh carefully removes buckshot from Sadaf’s face, highlighting the personal toll of political unrest. The climax is significantly striking as the mother and daughters navigate a maze-like village mound, a metaphor for their entrapment and the complexities of their circumstances. This slow-burning drama builds to a gripping and explosive conclusion. With its riveting narrative and superb performances, the film dares to confront difficult truths, making it a brilliant watch.
Review: ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ captivates despite its lengthy 167-minute runtime, offering a gripping narrative of a Tehran-based family's gradual unravelling amid political turmoil. The film centers on Iman (Missagh Zareh), a government investigator poised to become a judge who faces intense pressure to deliver government-favourable verdicts, including a looming death sentence for a 21-year-old protestor. Iman's seemingly idyllic family life—with his devoted wife, Najmeh (Soheila Golestani) and two daughters, Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki)—is disrupted when Rezvan brings home her injured friend Sadaf (Niousha Akhshi), a protest victim. The family's precarious situation intensifies when Iman’s official revolver goes missing, threatening his career and freedom. The film skilfully fuses together personal and political struggles, creating a poignant reflection on loyalty, morality, and the impact of political unrest on private lives.
This thriller-drama offers an intimate portrayal of a family’s unravelling amidst political unrest, capturing the tension with remarkable authenticity. The film’s use of real protest footage makes the story feel more realistic and connected to actual events. Focusing on just four family members, it scrutinises the complex challenges arising from the country's shifting political landscape. Each character navigates a moral dilemma, with Iman embodying the fear and compliance of the middle class under a repressive regime—a portrayal skilfully handled by director Mohammad Rasoulof. The film also subtly highlights the evolving role of women, hinting at a cultural shift towards Western ideals. Rasoulof masterfully weaves these themes into an engaging and thought-provoking narrative.
Beyond its compelling plot and well-crafted screenplay, this film thrives on the strength of its performances. Missagh Zareh delivers a standout portrayal of Iman, a dedicated investigator on the brink of promotion. His depiction of a patriarch torn between his love for his family and the pressures of survival under a repressive regime is both poignant and powerful, capturing the complexities of his character’s internal conflict. Soheila Golestani’s portrayal of Najmeh, the caring yet conflicted wife, is equally impressive. Her restrained, emotive performance lingers long after the credits roll. Mahsa Rostami and Setareh Maleki, as Rezvan and Sana, respectively, bring authenticity and emotional gravitas, rounding out the cast’s remarkable contributions.
‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ begins by drawing viewers into the seemingly mundane life of a family, making the sudden shift all the more striking once the revolver enters the picture. What was once a harmonious household quickly descends into panic. The father fears for his job, the mother is consumed by the threat to the family’s reputation, while the daughters grapple with their uncertain futures. Director Mohammad Rasoulof paints a vivid portrait of these escalating tensions, using the screenplay not only to depict the unravelling of a family but also to subtly comment on the broader societal issues plaguing the country.
While this thriller-drama may not be flawless, it stands as a courageous and bold cinematic work that challenges authority with unflinching resolve. The film is filled with powerful moments, particularly the intense scene where Najmeh carefully removes buckshot from Sadaf’s face, highlighting the personal toll of political unrest. The climax is significantly striking as the mother and daughters navigate a maze-like village mound, a metaphor for their entrapment and the complexities of their circumstances. This slow-burning drama builds to a gripping and explosive conclusion. With its riveting narrative and superb performances, the film dares to confront difficult truths, making it a brilliant watch.
