About Elly (2009)

Original Title

درباره الی‎‎ Dar bāre-ye Elly

Genre

Drama

Director

Asghar Farhadi

Country

Iran

Cast

Shahab Hosseini, Goldshifteh Farahani, Taraneh Alidoosti, Peyman Moaadi, Mani Haghighi, Merila Zarei, Ahmad Mehranfar, Rana Azadivar, Saber Abar

Storyline

As an attempt to match her with her single friend (Shahab Hosseini), Sepideh (Goldshifteh Farahani) invites Elly (Taraneh Alidoosti) to spend the weekend at the seaside with a group of friends. But then a tragedy strikes.

Opinion

I never do things properly, so before watching this, the first film from Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, I watched and loved his most recent films. And now here am I, back to the roots, with "About Elly", another brilliant and intense drama from Farhadi.

Once again the story plays an important role in the film. Although at first it may seem like the same story that has been told way too many times, and events occur as one would expect them to, the story is gripping and truly heartbreaking. It is also very realistic as everything that happens is something one can easily relate to.

Through a simple story, Asghar Farhadi makes a quite strong statement about Iranian culture and society and explores what it means to be young and carefree in modern-day Iran, especially for young women, mainly focusing on a woman's lack of freedom to do as she wishes.

The camera work is also impressive. The alternation between steady and mobile camera is great to build tension, but the handy shots easily stand out and they really add to the film, making it feel even more real.

And at last but not least the acting. It is top notch, genuine and real, and each actor contributes to making "About Elly" the great drama it is. Goldshifteh Farahani deserves a special mention for delivering the shock of her character to perfection.