PG-13 | 123 Min. | Drama
Future Remake Title: Why Are Mom and Dad Such Dicks?
In a nutshell: The ‘rents are splitting, but that’s the least of young Termeh’s problems. Simin wants to take her daughter out of Iran, but Nader can’t leave his own Alzheimer-stricken father. Enter Razieh, hired to take care of Nader’s father. What follows quickly degenerates into catastrophe for all families involved. See guys? Look what divorce does!
Cobra’s bite: Asghar Fahadi’s impressive effort often feels like a docudrama. The scenes are laden with anxiety, but free from moral or political bias. Fahadi’s dialogue quickly acclimates western audiences to the Iranian household, reflecting the culture’s sense of honor, reputation and familial obligation. Iran’s gender and class divides are expertly woven into the story’s fabric, without becoming narrative distractions. At its core, the film never loses its universal connection. The original conflict between Simin and Nader eventually gives way to an even tenser standoff between the latter and new caretaker, Razieh. Eventually, both families are caught in a web spun in both righteousness and moral folly. The story plays a bit like 2008’s Doubt, flipping viewers back and forth against two truths. Fahadi manages to evoke sympathy for each questionable decision, while keeping us compelled with an extraordinary situation.
Peyman Maadi and Leila Hatami lead a terrific cast as Termeh’s parents. Maadi carries Nader’s weight as the accused, remaining steadfast in his innocence. Nader’s proclivity towards tradition is tempered by Simin’s desire for change. Hatami brings Simin to life, conveying a passionate search for truth (and a way out for their daughter). Despite the couple’s divergent outlooks, their love for Termeh is equally strong. The same love ultimately burdens Termeh, perfectly understated by newcomer Sarina Farhadi. The younger Farhadi quietly demonstrates a child’s response to divorce, as Termeh’s crumbling foundation begins to shake even her own purity. One poignant moment captures a silent Termeh, staring at the caretaker’s own daughter with pity. A Separation reminds us to take a step back from own problems. Everyone shares at least a part in the play of despair.
The Verdict:
A Separation is now playing in theaters.
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