How far should one go for what they believe in? That is the central question in writer/director Mohammad Rasoulof's electric thriller The Seed of the Sacred Fig. This film is long, clocking in at a bit south of three hours. However, there is not an ounce of fat here; every frame is essential to his story. Set in 2023, during the very real political climate of the Iran regime, this film, like its subject matter, is a hot, volatile time bomb. 

 

A family is living in disharmony due to the inflexible arm of Islamic law. The parents, Iman (Missagh Zareh) and his wife Najmeh (Soheila Golestani), are conservative and buy into the regime's authoritative rule, primarily due to Iman's recent promotion to investigator within the Iranian court system. He and his wife do not want to rock the boat as Iman's career escalation has perks and keeps them in relative safety. Even when his ethics are challenged (signing death warrants without proper evidence or investigation), Iman remains steadfast in his wife's support. Their two daughters, the older Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) embody the teen spirit animated by desires to change their hair and nail color, see the world through their smartphones, and criticize the hijab law. Rasoulof's film brings the audience in poignantly because although we can see the logic in each character's position, our emotions disagree. 

 

Rezvan and her college friend Sadaf (Niousha Akhshi) are assaulted during a rally, with Sadaf receiving bullet fragments to her face. The sisters hide her in their home so she does not get arrested. However, the implications of this girl, specifically his daughter, being involved in a demonstration would fall harshly on Iman. Sadaf is ushered out and is later arrested. The delicacies and precarious nature of the Iman's position escalate when his issued pistol disappears from his house. Iman's co-worker impresses upon him to find his pistol to avoid embarrassment by any means necessary. Gradually, paranoia consumes Iman as he interrogates his own family to find the truth and get his personal and professional footing back to stability. 

 

This film takes place in modern Iran, where Islamic law rules with impunity. These laws are guided by religious doctrine and not principles, presumably the motivation for both the parents and the children. The laws are the safety and structure for Iman and Najmeh but are viewed as archaic and out-of-touch for Rezvan and Sana. The conflict is whether these girls will bet their father's professional reputation on their stances. 

 

Rasoulof has crafted a deep, introspective film on this balance of duty and humanity; the sacred fig, as explained in the opening text of the film, represents the Iranian regime by being the theocratic strangler of the tree—its people. Rasoulof was subsequently arrested and later fled Iran due to this film. Portrayals of political protests from tyrannical rule are often cast as dangerous propaganda by oppressive forces. 

 

The Seed of the Sacred Fig provides a staggering portrait of today's Iran, with actual protest videos showing abuse and violence captured from real life being spliced into the film. This film showcases the invaluable right to protest in places not under authoritative rule and the human spirit's will to protest when it is dangerous. Untangling the moral quandary of right and wrong is tricky; this film demonstrates sometimes laws are not adequate in dealing with human feelings.