The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024) - Film Review

      The Seed of the Sacred Fig, 2024.

      Written and Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof.

      Featuring Misagh Zare, Soheila Golestani, Mahsa Rostami, Setareh Maleki, Niusha Akhshi, Reza Akhlaghirad, Shiva Ordooie, and Amineh Mazrouie Arani.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Judge Iman grapples with paranoia amid the political turmoil in Tehran. When his gun goes missing, he suspects his wife and daughters, implementing harsh measures that strain familial bonds as societal norms dissolve.

      Writer/director Mohammad Rasoulof faced imprisonment for creating The Seed of the Sacred Fig (though he has a history of clashes with Iranian authorities and has since been released, fleeing to Germany with several crew members). His talented cast was restricted from leaving the country, with their fictional roles intertwined with real-life footage of women's rights protests and the violent oppression they faced from law enforcement during those demonstrations, giving the film a significant weight.

      Critics often highlight such films as potential Oscar contenders for encapsulating pivotal moments in current events. This film is also exceptionally well-made; it offers an engaging, nearly three-hour exploration of sharp political critique, evolving family dynamics, and thrilling mystery. Interestingly, while the political backdrop catalyzes the unfolding drama, the narrative becomes less political as it progresses, particularly in the third act, which resembles The Shining more than the injustices seen in Tehran. Although the various story arcs don’t fully resolve, this isn’t necessarily a drawback, as it is impressive how the director manages to transform the film while maintaining the integrity of its complex characters.

      The story revolves around a family that must completely alter its way of living, operating discreetly as married father Iman (Missagh Zareh) ascends to the role of Revolutionary Court investigative judge. This position means he will have adversaries everywhere, with several incidents involving leaks of personal information about judges making them vulnerable targets. Naturally, his daughters, Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki), struggle to understand this, clashing with their mother Najmeh (Soheila Golestani), who insists they cease communication with their college-bound friend, Sadaf (Niousha Akhshi).

      Around 21 and somewhat younger, these daughters are progressive and influenced by Western ideals, supporting the recent surge of protests on campuses where women defiantly marched without hijabs. In contrast, Najmeh holds conservative views and disapproves of such actions, using derogatory terms to criticize their desire for freedom. This is a reflection of the authoritarian regime being protested, placing Iman in a difficult position as he sanctions death sentences he personally disagrees with. His readiness to comply without questioning greatly contributed to his promotion, this choice taking a toll on his spirit and often leaving him isolated from his family and emotionally drained when at home. The peril surrounding him compels him to carry a firearm for protection, even bringing it into their residence.

      Nonetheless, differing perspectives on society, culture, and faith create tension between the daughters and their parents. Their familial unity will be further tested when Rezvan and Sana assist Sadaf, who has sustained a gunshot wound to her face, awkwardly involving their anxious mother in the scheme. They collectively decide to keep this from Iman, yet tranquility is short-lived as the fallout and riots escalate, resulting in heated political discussions at the dinner table. A mysterious element unfolds, leading to psychological manipulation from a professional interrogator disguising his cruel methods as a therapy session, as the head of the house begins to lose control and his sanity.

      As The Seed of the Sacred Fig evolves into a thriller focused on these fraught family dynamics, the underlying political fury remains palpable, though less explicitly articulated. A couple of plot threads feel rather unresolved and neglected, but the overwhelming tension arising from the women's growing rebellion against their unreasonable, oppressive, and paranoid patriarch is vividly portrayed, balancing some narrative irregularities.

      The film leaves the audience feeling drained and incensed, primed for change. Alarmingly, some themes resonate universally; there are likely already efforts underway for an American remake centered on a family fracturing due to recent elections, Trumpism, and the troubling trend of men asserting ownership over women's bodies. The outcome of such a version is uncertain. Meanwhile, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, perhaps ironically, amplifies its impact by shifting away from overt political discussions while transforming the aftermath into a breathtaking thriller centered around a family unraveling.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or contact me at [email protected]