The Seed of the Sacred Fig, the latest work from acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof, is already making waves in the international film circuit. After its debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it took home a Special Jury Prize, the film went on to screen at prestigious events like Telluride, Toronto, and New York. Now, with Neon releasing the first trailer and the film slated for a US theatrical release on November 27th, this politically charged thriller is poised to captivate audiences.
Shot in secret, Rasoulof's The Seed of the Sacred Fig is an intense narrative about Iman, a newly appointed investigating judge in Tehran. As the city descends into political chaos, Iman becomes increasingly suspicious of everyone around him—including his own family. When his state-issued gun mysteriously disappears, paranoia takes root, threatening to tear apart the fabric of his previously close-knit household. The film cleverly mirrors the societal unrest and the creeping dangers of totalitarianism, raising the stakes for every character involved.
Rasoulof, known for his previous films like There Is No Evil and Manuscripts Don't Burn, delivers a potent, nuanced exploration of fear and control. Starring Misagh Zare, Soheila Golestani, and Mahsa Rostami, the film's performances are as sharp and intense as its narrative, keeping viewers on edge throughout its nearly three-hour runtime.
Though The Seed of the Sacred Fig occasionally stumbles by cramming too much into its sprawling story, it remains a masterful portrayal of paranoia's corrosive power. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in bold, political storytelling.
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