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Review: A tense household becomes a metaphor for Iran’s divisions in ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’

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Review: A tense household becomes a metaphor for Iran's divisions in 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig'

As a cinema enthusiast with a deep appreciation for films that mirror societal realities, I find “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” to be a profoundly impactful and thought-provoking masterpiece. Having lived through the turbulent times of political unrest and censorship in my homeland, I can’t help but see parallels between Mohammad Rasoulof’s life and this gripping drama.

The film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is influenced by reality in various ways, some of which director Mohammad Rasoulof may not have anticipated when he filmed this gripping drama clandestinely. Known for his distinctive films and frequently targeted by Iran’s theocratic government, the 52-year-old filmmaker living in exile in Europe narrates a tale of a family whose position in society is endangered by unrest just beyond their doorstep. To maintain the established order, the family patriarch will go to great lengths to prevent change from entering his household and affecting his wife and daughters. By making politics personal, Rasoulof underscores the message that oppression begins at home.

In this rephrased version, Misagh Zare portrays Iman, a diligent attorney who’s recently been appointed as an investigating judge in the Revolutionary Court following 20 years of service. His wife, Najmeh (played by Soheila Golestani), is both proud and eager about the opportunities this new role brings to their family, which includes their independent-minded 21-year-old daughter Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and insecure teenager Sana (Setareh Maleki). With their upcoming move to a larger home in a more desirable part of Tehran, they might even manage to buy the long-desired dishwasher that Najmeh has yearned for. However, Iman cautions his family about the potential backlash associated with his position as a judge in Iranian society, urging them to keep their new status discreet. To underscore the risks involved, Iman has been provided with a protective gun.

Once Iman displays his loaded gun to his concerned wife, spectators may begin to anticipate when the firearm will discharge. Remarkably, Rasoulof doesn’t shy away from revealing the story’s symbolism or surprises. Instead, he boldly suggests the approaching darkness, subtly directing his drama in a way that the impending doom looms over every scene.

For the past fifteen years, Rasoulof (known for “Manuscripts Don’t Burn” and “There Is No Evil”) has been arrested several times, had his passport taken away, and charged with spreading dissenting views through his films. The film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” was motivated by a period he spent in prison in 2022, coinciding with that summer’s “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests. These demonstrations were ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old student, while she was in police custody for not wearing a hijab properly. While authorities claimed Amini died from a heart attack, her family asserted that she was brutally beaten to death.

The actual events serve as a spark igniting the slow-burning plot of the movie. Initially, Rezvan and Sana grumble about having to act more formally due to their father’s new job, worrying about who could be watching them on social media. However, they can’t ignore the violent demonstrations that follow Amini’s death. Najmeh continues to echo the state-run news reports claiming Amini’s death was an accident, while her daughters, using their smartphones, strongly believe otherwise. Then Sadaf, Rezvan’s college friend, unintentionally gets caught up in a protest on campus, getting shot by police. For a long time, Najmeh had viewed the protesters as thugs, but when she has to remove the bullet wounds from Sadaf’s bleeding body, her trust in the government she’d been faithful to starts to crumble.

The movie “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” delves into the themes of complicity and denial, showcasing how a seemingly ordinary couple can unwittingly uphold a nation’s deception. At first, Iman doubts his role as an investigator, as he finds that the ‘investigating’ part of his title is more of a suggestion, with him expected to sign death warrants for individuals the prosecutor has demanded be executed. However, Zare provides a compelling portrayal of subtle justification as Iman gradually accepts going along rather than causing trouble. A man without strong principles other than maintaining his position, Iman oscillates between pitiable and chilling, becoming increasingly terrifying when he realizes his gun is missing, an oversight that could jeopardize his promotion. His relentless pursuit to find the culprit reveals a startlingly monstrous side, causing fear in his family members and leading to a sudden, disquieting change in tone, serving as a fitting and credible climax for a film brimming with suspicion and anger.

In order to avoid alerting the authorities about the controversial content of his movie, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”, Rasoulof secretly produced and filmed it. This clandestine process infuses the story with extra layers of rebellion and courage. The film includes real protest footage and scenes of police brutality to make the narrative more believable. However, reality turned ugly in an unexpected way. Just before the movie’s premiere at Cannes, Rasoulof was sentenced to eight years in prison. Instead of serving his sentence, he left Iran and was greeted as a hero at the festival screening. The emotions woven into “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” – sadness, hope, and defiance – are intense but also tinged with bittersweetness, given that Rasoulof had to leave his homeland to speak the truth about the oppressive regime trying to silence him.

In “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” the story initially revolves around Iman, but it eventually becomes centered on Najmeh and her daughters. These characters are portrayed as potential agents for change in Iran, challenging its oppressive, male-dominated regime. The sisters, Rezvan and Sana, display intelligence and awareness of the government’s injustices, making Najmeh’s personal transformation the heart of the film’s emotional journey. Golestani delivers a captivating performance as a woman holding onto her misconceptions about women’s roles and status, as she has never been allowed to imagine anything different. The actress, along with other cast members who put themselves at risk, makes this awakening process deeply moving. Najmeh believes she is protecting her daughters; however, they might end up liberating her instead.

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2024-11-28 06:01

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