The outside world’s darkness comes home in the masterful The Seed of the Sacred Fig

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As a film enthusiast and someone who has had the privilege of witnessing a plethora of cinematic masterpieces from across the globe, I must say that The Seed of the Sacred Fig left an indelible mark on me. Having lived in several diverse societies, I’ve come to appreciate films that not only entertain but also shed light on the struggles and resilience of people fighting for their rights. This film is a testament to those very ideals.

Here’s one way to rephrase that statement while maintaining its original sentiment and tone:

That woman I overheard years ago crystallizes the thought process so many have towards constant human rights struggles. Basic human empathy alone should be enough to get us invested in the struggles of those even continents away. Yet what impacts one marginalized community eventually affects all of us adversely. Any pressing issue happening outside your walls can eventually seep into your life. None of us are fully removed from the grimmest parts of humanity. For proof of that, just look at Mohammad Rasoulof’s captivating new thriller The Seed of the Sacred Fig.

In the autumn of 2022, Matriarch Najmeh, portrayed by Soheila Golestani, is filled with anticipation about what lies ahead. Her spouse, Iman (Missagh Zareh), has been promoted to a position as an investigative judge in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court. As a result, their family – consisting of Iman and Najmeh, along with daughters Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) – will soon move into a more affluent home. However, this new development for the family comes amidst widespread protests in Tehran, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. Iman and Najmeh tend to view these protestors as inhumane beings, particularly since Iman’s job involves issuing hasty death sentences based on scant or no evidence for many of these individuals. To them, the protestors are seen as savage creatures that should be dealt with harshly by law enforcement.

In the meantime, Rezvan and Sana uncover truths due to videos on social media that aren’t from mainstream news sources. As staunch supporters of the protesters, the sisters clash with their father over his perspective, which is shaped by working for a repressive government regime. The conflict deepens when Iman starts bringing a firearm into their home again, and it eventually disappears. Suspecting one of the three household members took the weapon, Iman is in a bind because, until now, his work-related anonymity prevents him from discussing his job with anyone outside his office. However, interrogation methods he uses at work are starting to influence his home life.

Najmeh perceives the events unfolding in the streets as if they were taking place on a different world. Yet, it’s essential to recognize that the violence being protested against is actually happening right here within our own confines.

In the opening scene of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Rezvan and Sana are seen covertly watching disturbing footage of real-life police brutality against protesters on their phone screen, illuminating their shared bed at night. Their parents, who support police violence and belittle women fighting for equal rights, are unaware of this secret viewing. This scene beautifully portrays a contemporary issue: the increasing access to technology among young people under 25, which exposes them to graphic depictions of society’s injustices at an early age. As a result, they become aware at a younger and younger age that something is fundamentally wrong with the current social order.

In the world we live in today, I find myself surrounded by both young and old individuals who hold contrasting views. Regrettably, some older adults enthusiastically support fascism and authoritarianism, even in my beloved homeland. Surprisingly, so-called progressive voices often echo the status quo instead of supporting the youth advocating for change. Instead of shaping a future that benefits tomorrow’s adults, many middle-aged folks seem to define themselves by upholding law enforcement, ridiculing gender pronouns, and perpetuating the same issues we face.

In an unconventional twist, the tender scene of Rezvan and Sana viewing videos side by side challenges the usual norm. Unlike how some might perceive it, the technology they use doesn’t isolate them; instead, it anchors them to a world that their home often refuses to acknowledge. This moment, a common occurrence in today’s society seldom portrayed in cinema, strengthens a profound sisterly bond. Their parents may try to instigate rivalry between the sisters, mirroring governments that divide working-class communities to suppress dissent. Yet, this scene underscores their unity during hard times. Although they might feel abandoned by their elders, they vow not to abandon each other.

In Rasoulof’s screenplay, one of numerous memorable scenes stands out. His writing for The Seed of the Sacred Fig is exceptionally vivid, making it hard to look away from the screen. One aspect that adds depth to this engaging environment is what remains off-screen. Real protest footage serves as a grim reminder of the struggles facing Tehran citizens. In contrast, details about Iman’s job, such as him administering death sentences or his colleagues interrogating suspects, are left to our imagination within the fictional context of The Sacred Fig.

Instead, it isn’t until paranoia takes hold of Iman’s mind that we start seeing things like blindfolded women being led into a small, bare room. Delaying the introduction of these elements until the second half of Sacred Fig intensifies the shocking collision between Iman’s personal and professional life. Moreover, Mohammad Rasoulof’s focus on backing Rezvan and Sana’s resistance against their parents heightens the suspenseful atmosphere even further. Since these two characters have far less power compared to Iman and Najmeh, there’s a compelling imbalance of power every time they interact. It’s riveting to see Rezvan confront her father about his wrongdoing. Additionally, I found myself on the edge of my seat, waiting anxiously for what would happen next to this vulnerable character.

Similar to the captivating characters in noteworthy 2024 films like “How to Have Sex” and “Anora“, the characters Rezvan and Sana from the movie “Sacred Fig” instantly grab your attention upon their introduction on-screen. The acting of Rostami and Maleki is exceptional, offering a powerful emotional foundation for the film. Their performances feel genuine, as demonstrated in an early scene where they bond with Sadar (played by Niousha Ahkshi), a friend of Rezvan’s sibling. They share laughs, discuss plans to dye their hair vibrant colors, and take selfies together. This lighthearted scene showcases the characters’ youthfulness, making it feel like this is just their normal everyday life.

In this heartfelt narrative, Rasoulof, Rostami, and Maleki skillfully craft the confrontations between Rezvan and Sana against their elders in later scenes, making it impossible for me, as a gamer, to look away. They aren’t extraordinary heroes or prodigies; rather, they are typical girls – Rezvn, a teenager, and Sana, a young adult in college. This relatable portrayal is what makes “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” such an engrossing suspenseful masterpiece. Missagh Zareh’s performance in “Sacred Fig” mirrors the chilling work delivered by Rudolf Hrušínský in the 1969 classic “The Cremator.” Both actors give haunting performances as corrupt men who spiral further into madness and violence throughout the film.

Similar to Rostami and Maleki, Zareh’s portrayal powerfully reinforces the fragility of his character. Iman is not presented as a cold-hearted brutalist; instead, he’s a complex, frequently indecisive individual who resorts to violence as a means of salvation. Zareh’s performance evokes an ordinary person who could be working in an office somewhere. This doesn’t diminish Iman’s ominousness, though. Like the countless common murderers in Killers of the Flower Moon, Sacred Fig underscores the normality of Iman, chilling us with the realization that evil can lurk anywhere. Iman’s home is filled with ordinary people…which makes the complicity in heinous acts all the more unsettling. Zareh’s exceptional acting plays a crucial role in making this theme resonate. Golestani, on the other hand, deserves accolades for her outstanding performance. It’s hard to deny such intense acting that can make you clench your teeth in irritation in one scene and tear at your heartstrings in another.

In every facet of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” extraordinary artistry is apparent. Notably, it uses authentic footage of protesters being harmed by police – run over, beaten, or otherwise mistreated. These sequences serve a dual purpose: they skillfully broaden the film’s perspective while working within its budget constraints. Additionally, they draw viewers deeper into Rezvan and Sana’s mental states, offering glimpses of real-world events that haunt them. This heightens the impact of their convictions, making their adherence to their beliefs all the more compelling…while intensifying our frustration with Iman and Najmeh for denying reality.

The film, titled “The Seed of the Sacred Fig“, stands out as an exceptional piece of suspenseful cinema. It serves as a powerful rebuttal to the inhumane treatment of protesters, extending far beyond Tehran’s borders. Similar to films like “Madchen in Uniform“, “For Sama“, and “Salt of the Earth“, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is a movie that, astonishingly, was even made. This film was covertly shot by Rasoulof to evade detection from Iranian authorities, who had previously reprimanded and prosecuted his work. After finishing the production, he was given a lengthy prison sentence, leading him to flee Iran.

In challenging societal conditions, the film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” unfolds, intertwining its narrative with both the director’s support for protesters and his controversial stance against the Revolutionary Court in Iran. This has contributed to Rasoulof’s ostracization in his homeland. Despite being filmed under restrictive conditions, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” isn’t a movie constrained by limitations. Instead, aspects like a minimal cast are inherent to this storyline. The compactness of the plot also fits the narrative seamlessly. Rasoulof’s skillful direction, coupled with the talent of the actors and crew, maintains its impact amidst adversity. To put it simply, “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is an intensely gripping thriller that resonates with universal themes, and no matter how much you claim indifference, we’re all connected to events that appear distant.

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2024-12-01 18:16