Unveiling ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’: A Masterful Exploration of Asphyxiation by Mohammad Rasoulof

Art often emerges from difficult times. In The Seed of the Sacred Fig, director Mohammad Rasoulof crafts a powerful story about the struggles against oppressive systems. Filmed secretly and showcased at Cannes despite restrictions from Iran’s government, the film grows like a complex plant, entangling the viewer in a poignant narrative that underscores the fight for women’s rights in Iran.

Set against the backdrop of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, the film follows Iman (Misagh Zareh), a newly appointed judge in Tehran. While he gains a promotion, it comes with a heavy price. Iman must navigate a system that hands out death sentences without hesitation, revealing the dark realities hidden beneath his new status.

Iman’s family dynamic adds depth to the story. His wife, Najmeh (Soheila Golestani), is obedient, while their daughters, Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki), resist their father’s authority and the state’s strictures. The script skillfully illustrates their struggles, reflecting broader societal tensions of surveillance and eroding freedom.

The plot thickens when Imane’s gun goes missing. He fears that his daughters, influenced by protest videos on social media, are losing respect for his authority. This paranoia leads him to doubt those closest to him, creating an atmosphere of fear and suspicion in their cramped apartment.

As tensions rise, the family’s home becomes a pressure cooker. Iman questions his family with the same clinical detachment he uses in the courtroom, blurring the lines between his roles as a judge and a father.

A particularly emotionally charged scene shows Najmeh treating Sadaf, a young protester injured by police. This moment of kindness stands in stark contrast to Iman’s harsh demeanor and signifies a small act of rebellion. It highlights the painful reality of their situation, where even small gestures of humanity shine brightly in a landscape filled with violence.

Pooyan Aghababaei’s cinematography enhances the film’s oppressive atmosphere. The dark, cramped spaces serve as a metaphor for the family’s growing unease. Real protest footage intertwines with their story, reflecting the struggle beyond their walls.

Rasoulof’s choice to spotlight the impacts of an oppressive regime rather than his experiences gives a unique perspective. Iman’s blind faith in the system embodies the very machinery that oppresses him. He is caught in a web woven by the regime, unable to see how he contributes to his own downfall.

The title itself, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, symbolizes the all-consuming power of the Iranian theocracy. This parasitic relationship stifles individuals while presenting itself as protective—an irony that resonates throughout the film.

As the story progresses, Iman’s world crumbles. The film’s conclusion offers no neat resolution; it captures the harsh reality of ongoing struggle. Rasoulof masterfully plants the seed of resistance, asking viewers to consider the potential for growth beneath the surface, even amid choking oppression.

Despite its urgency, the film received a special prize at Cannes, leaving many to wonder why such a crucial narrative was sidelined in favor of more traditional contenders. The Seed of the Sacred Fig resonates with anyone questioning the fragility of authoritarian systems and the power of resistance.

What does it mean to fight against a system that seeks to crush dissent? Rasoulof doesn’t provide all the answers but successfully lays the groundwork for important conversations about freedom and humanity.

The Seed of the Sacred Fig is currently in theaters.