21. Under the Shadow (2016) by Babak Anvari
Within the European festival circuit, there is an at times problematic tendency to award films from nations at war, at conflict or where some form of censorship represses artists. Although the mentality of these artists is certainly respectable, this does not say anything about the artistic quality of their work. In the 85 minutes of its running time “Under the Shadow”, a genre entry, manages to give a frightening reflection of life under repression, the corroding effect of war on the family unit and also the stress of the individual trying meet its own goals while attempting to adapt to a terrible new regime. (Rouven Linnarz)
22. Until Tomorrow (2022) by Ali Asgari
There are some mighty girl-power scenes between those stressfull events when two best friends are talking about life and men, plotting further actions over a cigarette. But the strongest moment comes at the very end of the film when Fereshteh makes her bold decision, and as she is pacing through the long concrete corridors of her housing block, followed by the echo of her father’s loud questions, the lights switch on and off showing her determined calmness and acceptance of whatever fate that awaits her. (Marina Richter)
23. Untimely (2020) by Pouya Esthehardi
Considering the title of his feature debut, it should not come as a surprise “Untimely” follows a non-linear approach. You will perhaps find yourself – just like the protagonist – becoming lost within the various visual and temporary layers of the story, all of which are deeply infused with the emotions of the protagonist, especially regret and guilt. Some of these episodes are memories, some of them seem at first unrelated, for example, a ritual resembling an exorcism, but they eventually lead back to an inexcusable act of inaction in the eyes of Hamin. Each act is followed by an apology, bringing Mahin food, for example, before the heavy iron door of her new home slams shut, underlining the feeling of inadequacy. (Rouven Linnarz)
24. The Wasteland (2020) by Ahmad Bahrami
The impact of all the aforementioned concepts is synopsized in Lotfollah, who emerges as the most tragic figure of all, with his downward spiral, which is actually instigated by love and his sense of loyalty, taking over the second part of the film, after the boss finishes his announcement. The tragedy that surrounds him, and the ways he always manages to be calm, but also, after a point, quite decisive, emerges as another great asset of the movie, with Bahrami showing particular affection for his character, and Ali Bagheri giving an impressive performance in the part. (Panos Kotzathanasis)
25. Zalava (2021) Arsalan Amiri
Arsalan Amiri bases his whole narrative on the questions mentioned above, with the reply regarding the if the movie will turn into a supernatural horror (thus meaning the locals are right) or continue as a social drama regarding the blights of disidemony (thus meaning the sergeant is right) carrying the movie almost to the end. His approach is quite realistic, with the concept of the bottle highlighting the fact, essentially provoking his audience to pose the questions to themselves: “Do you believe in magic? Would you open the bottle?”. This approach is both intriguing and entertaining, while inducing the movie with a sense of agony that also adds to the two aforementioned traits.
