A complex domestic whodunit.

 “What is wrong is wrong, no matter who said it or where it’s written.”

Off the top of my head there are two movies that I had to watch twice to fall in love with. When I first watched Blade Runner I hated the movie, but on second viewing I fell completely in love with the film. Likewise, on initial viewing of The Hunt, I was sure I knew where the movie was going, and I couldn’t even get past the beginning. What a fool! Today, I add A Separation to the come-back list.

Upon initial viewing of the 2011 Iranian film A Separation, I arrogantly claimed that I knew where this seemingly boring domestic story was going. Why would I watch a movie with a predictable plot and dry execution? So, I ejected the film and sent it back to Netflix. Time went by, but Netflix kept insisting I would love the film. As a matter of fact, it was the film with the highest predicted rating for me. Needless to say, I gave the film a second shot.

I have chosen to be vague in this review because the less you know, the better experience you will have with this masterpiece. So let’s start with the one issue I have with film, which is absolutely minimal. The issue I have is how the camera is brutally truthful with us one moment and then suddenly and conveniently absent the next. This is all I am going to say about the issue, if you want to discuss it after viewing the film, contact me!

Everything else about the movie is top notch. The camera is always close up and intimate. The actors, especially the children, are perfectly cast. They all perform naturally and convincingly. Child actors rarely impress me, and this film has two great ones! The story is gripping and involving, and it unfolds in such a natural way. A Separation elegantly shows us a wide range of personal topics from religion and culture to integrity and loyalty. Above all, the movie never judges, which allows the viewers to form their own opinions.

The slow start might put your patience to the test, but the rest of the movie will put your integrity to the test. Isn’t that a sign of a great film? One that makes us question ourselves or allows us to empathize with a different point of view. Director, producer, and writer Asghar Farhadi has taken me to new culture, once there I reaffirmed some of my principles and questioned others.

Unfortunately, this review has not informed the reader on anything except that I am gushing over this film. Do not make the same mistake I did. Let the film breathe, take in the complexities, view every character’s perspective, and enjoy.

In a word: Bravo.

Run Time: 123 minutes

General Release: 2011

Director: Asghar Farhadi

Cast: Leila Hatami / Peyman Moaadi / Shahab Hosseini

Language: Persian

Trailer: The trailer contains too many spoilers, trust me.