MOVIE REVIEW
Seven Days (Haft Rooz)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 46m
Director(s): Ali Samadi Ahadi
Writer(s): Mohammad Rasoulof
Cast: Vishka Asayesh, Majid Bakhtiari, Tanaz Molaei, Sam Vafa, Melika Foroutan
Language: Farsi, German with English subtitles
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

RAVING REVIEW: SEVEN DAYS whisks its viewers into the heart of a tension-filled drama where personal liberty and social justice clash. At the center of this emotional whirlwind is Maryam, portrayed by Vishka Asayesh, whose performance captures a woman at a crossroads. Maryam, a resilient Iranian human rights activist, must decide whether to embrace a fleeting chance at freedom or return to her oppressive imprisonment to continue her fight.

Director Ali Samadi Ahadi sets this riveting narrative against the grim backdrop of oppression, painting a picture of Maryam's stark reality. The film begins by contrasting her former life as a nurturing family figure with her present as a prisoner. The visual storytelling intensifies as Maryam’s family, safe yet scarred in Germany, desperately calls for her to break free from the confines of her homeland. The emotional stakes are ramped up, melding personal sacrifices with the universal struggle for human rights.

Tension escalates as Maryam, her brother Nima (Sina Parvaneh), and a teacher named Zanyar Zanyar Mohammadi) embark on a harrowing escape through frostbitten landscapes. Cinematographer Mathias Neumann captures the chilling yet stunning journey, enhancing the film's emotional core with his sharp visual sensibility. This perilous escape tests their physical limits and serves as a metaphor for the broader quest for liberty.

Mohammad Rasoulof’s script entangles these individual and collective narratives together, creating a complex mix of tension and resolve. The dialogue echoes the mix of fear and hope that propels the characters forward. Rasoulof, known for his heartfelt storytelling, delves into the harsh realities of fighting for justice under a totalitarian regime, offering audiences a compelling drama and insightful commentary.

As Maryam’s brief window of freedom dwindles, the weight of her decision becomes a central theme, reflecting the enduring fight for dignity and human rights. The film explores her choices' emotional and psychological impacts, demonstrating the far-reaching effects of such pivotal moments.

The ensemble cast delivers solid performances to help balance the film, bringing intense emotional depth to the screen. Asayesh’s portrayal of Maryam brings strength and vulnerability, navigating her dual roles on screen. Supporting actors Majid Bakhtiari and Parvaneh, playing Behnam and Nima, add urgency to the narrative, while Mohammadi shines as the selfless teacher aiding their quest.

SEVEN DAYS is a profound statement on the sacrifices required in the battle for human rights. Ahadi’s directorial approach ensures each scene reflects Maryam's conditions, from the treacherous icy paths to the stark prison cells, underscored by a haunting musical score that deepens the film's emotional resonance.

Ultimately, SEVEN DAYS serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. It is an essential film for anyone who values the ongoing global fight for justice and freedom, celebrating the indomitable spirit of those who stand against oppression. This film is a passionate journey that resonates with profound implications for our collective consciousness.

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[photo courtesy of LITTLE DREAM ENTERTAINMENT, BRAVE NEW WORK, GOODFELLAS]

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