ADFF 2011 Review: A Separation

Could this be the Iranian film to take away the Oscar next year? Asghar Farhadi directs this harrowing drama ‘A Separation’ that’s astoundingly well-done both as an account of a decaying relationship as well as a snapshot of modern Iran.

The film follows the couple Nader and Simin who are headed for a separation but the judge doesn’t allow it. Simin wants to leave Iran with Nader to abroad before their permit expires, but Nader wants to stay in Iran with his dad who has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t want to give away custody of his daughter Termeh. As the couple stays separated, Nader has to hire a caretaker for his sick father while he’s gone to work. And this spirals an unexpected set of events that have bigger ramifications than it seems.

‘A Separation’ is grounded in reality and that’s where its true strength lies. It never tries to be grandiose in scale and stays true to the human story that it’s trying to tell, and in turn the audience can completely relate to the events that happen. As we watch the couple separation, we see the effect it has on their 11 year old daughter and how Nader feels the lack of a woman to take care of the house.  At the same time, we see the plight of Simin as she waits for Nader to call her back home but doesn’t want to say it. It’s the well-written human elements like these that make it a grounded and emotional drama that will appeal to any audience regardless of race or gender.

But even leaving that aspect aside, there’s a surprisingly well-written courtroom drama at the center of the film that unfolds at a strong pace and has quite a few twists and turns to change the direction of the film. As Nader gets into a legal brawl with his caretaker over mishandling of his father, we get to see both sides of the story as the judge tries to give the fair decision. Secrets are revealed slowly through supporting characters and this aspect of the film itself is engrossing enough, but the director uses this as a means to further show the ramifications of the couple’s separation and the extremes that it led to as well as give social commentary over issues like gender, class and even religion in modern Iran. It’s truly excellent as a piece of art and there’s no denying that there’s going to be strong Oscar love for this gem of a film.

‘A Separation’ is brilliant from start to finish and shows the power of Iranian cinema when done without any censorship. It’s masterful writing and direction coupled with excellent performances on all fronts makes for one of the best movies of the year.

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