Discover Why ‘1001 Frames’ is a Must-See: In-Depth Film Review from Eye For Film

Chuck Mosley of Faith No More once sang, “Oh, it’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it.” While film criticism isn’t dirty, reviewing some films can feel like a chore. It’s easy with great or terrible movies, but middle-of-the-road ones offer more of a challenge. Some films seem designed just to appeal to festival juries, which can make the review process feel like a painful task.

Take Mehrnoush Alia’s film, 1001 Frames, which premiered at the Berlinale’s Panorama section. It feels stretched like an overly long short film. Alia expands on her previous work, Scheherazade (2015), but the result lacks the energy and excitement of a brief format. The story involves a filmmaker (Mohammad Aghebati) auditioning actresses for his version of 1001 Nights. However, as the auditions unfold, darker motives come to light.

The actresses bring their own stories and experiences to the table. Some even have past connections with the director, adding depth to their interactions. This setup could explore societal tensions in Iran or the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated film industry, which often harbors opportunistic figures hidden behind a façade of creativity. Unfortunately, 1001 Frames doesn’t dig deep into these issues. The plot lightly touches on familiar showbiz scandals without offering any fresh insights.

If Alia had taken a documentary approach, similar to Ruth Beckermann’s Mutzenbacher (2022), the film might have unearthed some profound truths about Iranian culture, past and present. Instead, the film relies on a scripted drama that quickly loses steam. By the time any real tension arises, it feels too little, too late to redeem the experience.

The minimal set—an unfurnished studio—adds to the film’s monotony, as does the static, dimly lit direction. Alia tends to focus on the actresses’ expressions and body language, while the director’s ominous voice looms in the background. Surprisingly, we rarely see the director’s face, which adds to the film’s sense of unease.

While 1001 Frames has good intentions and some literary touches, it ultimately falls flat. It’s a draining watch, likely to send viewers to sleep or leave them feeling they missed nothing important. It’s a forgettable experience for anyone who happens to come across it.

Reviewed on: 23 Feb 2025