the past

Went to see Asghar Farhadi’s “The Past” at the Watershed yesterday afternoon. It’s a complicated (actually, probably too complicated for its own good) but, nevertheless, totally absorbing and fascinating film starring Berenice Bejo (Marie), Ali Mosaffa (Ahmad) and Tahar Rahim (Samir)(all excellent).

Marie asks Ahmad to return to Paris from Teheran to be present for much-delayed/much-disputed divorce proceedings – a grown-up farewell to their failed marriage but also an opportunity for him to say goodbye to her daughters from a previous relationship… but he ends up having to stay in her chaotic house – along with her new, younger partner Samir(and his small son). Are you following all this?
I suppose it’s a film about apologies and atonement (I blame Marie!)… but, ultimately, it’s also a sad reflection of the implications of failed and, perhaps, selfish adult relationships on children.
I thought it was excellent.