Exploring ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’: A Thought-Provoking Film Review on Religion and the Cycle of Oppression | InSession Film

Director: Mohammad Rasoulof
Writers: Mohammad Rasoulof
Stars: Soheila Golestani, Missagh Zareh, Setareh Maleki

Synopsis: Judge Iman faces paranoia during political chaos in Tehran. When his gun goes missing, he suspects his wife and daughters. His harsh actions strain family bonds as social order crumbles around them.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig starts with a man reading from the Quran, sparking varied reactions at its Cannes debut. Some international critics noted laughter during scenes featuring Quran recitations. This intrigued me, and I was eager to see what Mohammad Rasoulof had created.

The film immediately sets a dark tone. The imagery is heavy, with dim lighting and muted colors. Women wear head coverings, often mandatory, especially for the young girls. A family celebration for the father’s promotion turns bittersweet as the mother lists everything that is now forbidden, revealing the cost of the father’s new role as a judge.

Set against the backdrop of the Mahsa Amini protests, the film portrays a grim reality, particularly for women. While the mother-daughter dynamics offer a compelling element, their characters could use more depth. Najmeh, the strict mother, contrasts sharply with her rebellious daughters, Rezvan and Sana. Yet, the film falls short of exploring their complexities. This lack of nuance feels like a missed opportunity, making the film resemble other Western festival favorites that often paint Muslims in extremes—either as fanatics or entirely rejecting their faith.

Visually, Pooyan Aghababaei’s cinematography shines. His use of light and shadow creates a stunning atmosphere. However, it’s unfortunate that Aghababaei, like many of the cast and crew, cannot openly discuss his work due to the risks involved. Rasoulof himself faces serious consequences, including an eight-year prison sentence from Iranian authorities. This reality adds to the film’s weight, making its release even more significant.

As a critic, sharing my thoughts can be challenging. The Seed of the Sacred Fig presents a troubling look at a repressive religious society. I understand why some Muslim critics feel it plays to a Western audience, yet it critically examines the dangers of faith-driven control over a nation. Many films exploring crises of faith often overlook Muslim characters, who are seldom given the same emotional depth as their counterparts from other faiths.

Rasoulof does not sensationalize the issues but tells a sincere story from his culture, allowing for meaningful connections to global themes. I found this movie both important and unsettling. It does not just aim for Western awards but also forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of totalitarian regimes. The controversial portrayal of religious societies deserves attention, serving as a reminder of the urgent need for diverse and complex representations of Muslim experiences in global cinema.