Unveiling ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’: A Captivating Film Review You Can’t Miss – Eye For Film

Seed Of The Sacred Fig, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, dives deep into the heavy atmosphere of Iran. The film takes inspiration from the real-life protests that erupted after Mahsa Amini’s tragic death while in police custody. Amini faced arrest for not adhering to strict hijab laws, sparking significant unrest in the country. This thriller tackles the oppressive nature of the Iranian regime and intertwines actual footage of the government’s harsh tactics, making the viewing experience both powerful and eye-opening.

The story follows Iman, a civil servant played by Missagh Zareh, who becomes an “investigator” after years of service. He dreams of rising to the position of a Revolutionary Court judge. However, he quickly learns that his role mainly involves rubber-stamping death penalties without thorough investigations. This new job brings pride and potential status for him and his family but also demands compliance with strict societal norms.

Namjeh, Iman’s wife, portrayed by Soheila Golestani, takes the family’s reputation seriously. She monitors their daughters, Rezvan and Sana, even trying to limit their online interactions. Her actions stem not only from a desire for control but also from fear. Signing off on death penalties can create dangerous enemies, so it’s safer for them to keep to themselves.

The tension escalates when Rezvan’s friend, Sadaf, exposes the arbitrary nature of justice through her own experiences at the protests. While Iman’s journey is vital, the film primarily centers on Namjeh’s transformation. Initially, she believes what the state tells her, but her daughters’ realities begin to shift her perspective. We witness a microcosm of the larger struggle between the older generation’s beliefs and the younger generation’s quest for freedom.

Golestani’s performance is noteworthy, especially given her current situation in Iran, where she faces severe government backlash for her views. Her character’s change highlights the emotional and ideological rift within the family as she starts to question her loyalty to the regime.

Rasoulof effectively conveys the paranoia surrounding Iman. One scene shows him driving home, gripped by fear despite being in the safety of his car. The presence of those who defy societal norms weighs heavily on him and pushes him toward more controlling actions. His loyalty to the regime ultimately overshadows his bonds with his family.

Although the film’s final acts rely on familiar tropes of peril, they are grounded in the strong family dynamics Rasoulof has established. While the government focuses on the visible protests, the film suggests that the true threat lies within the changing values and perspectives of Iran’s youth.

Reviewed on: 02 Mar 2025