Silence, Control, and the Fight to Be Heard

Read Time:4 Minute, 25 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
1001 Frames
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Mehrnoush Alia
Writer(s): Mehrnoush Alia
Cast: Mohammad Aghebati, Shayesteh Sajadi
Where To Watch: shown at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Auditions are meant to be a stage for talent, a chance for aspiring actors to bring characters to life. But in 1001 FRAMES, that stage quickly morphs into something far more unsettling—a place where power, manipulation, and control take center stage. Mehrnoush Alia’s debut feature doesn’t just depict an audition process; it deconstructs it, exposing the cracks in an industry where ambition is too often met with exploitation. What begins as a casting call for the role of Scheherazade in 1001 NIGHTS soon unravels into an exploration of authority and the dangerous ways it can be abused.

The film wastes no time establishing an ominous tone. The audition process feels authentic—hopeful actresses arrive eager to land the role, unaware that they are stepping into a scenario where the industry's power dynamics are pushed to extremes. The director, an unseen presence, dictates the session from the shadows, his authority defined not by his actions on screen but by his voice. His instructions become more invasive, his questioning more personal, and the women begin to realize they are part of something that isn’t just about casting.

This restrained approach works in the film’s favor, heightening the tension without relying on traditional storytelling. The camera captures every glance, every uncertain pause, every forced smile, turning small moments into sources of unease. There’s no need for excessive dialogue or dramatic confrontations; the discomfort is baked into every interaction, forcing the audience to feel as trapped as the characters.

The film is its portrayal of how different women react to the same unsettling situation. Some participants second-guess their discomfort, questioning whether this is part of the process. However, some instantly recognize the manipulation, pushing back against the director’s tactics. It critiques an industry that thrives on uncertainty, where aspiring artists are conditioned to endure discomfort for opportunity.

One would expect consequences for such blatant misconduct in a society with strict moral codes governing public behavior. Yet the film highlights a harsh truth: Power and influence often provide a shield against accountability. The result is a world where those at the top can operate with impunity while those below must navigate impossible choices.

The film embraces a minimalist approach, amplifying the tension through careful framing and deliberate cinematography. The audition room becomes an inescapable space where authority dictates reality. The choice to keep the camera close, often refusing to provide a full view of the space, creates a suffocating atmosphere.

These actresses are expected to perform but for reasons beyond securing a role. Their ability to navigate this high-stakes audition becomes a means of self-preservation, making the entire process feel like a test of submission rather than a showcase of talent. It’s a chilling commentary on the fine line between storytelling as empowerment and storytelling as a form of control. There are no easy answers because, in reality, these situations rarely end neatly. The discomfort lingers, much like the real-world issues the film addresses.

On a meta-level, the film serves as a scathing critique of the industry. It doesn’t just expose predatory behavior; it calls out the structures that have enabled it for decades. The male gaze, often used to objectify, is weaponized differently here. The camera doesn’t linger voyeuristically—it captures discomfort, forcing viewers to acknowledge the ugliness of what’s unfolding. The film ensures its message remains front and center by stripping away the glamour often associated with audition narratives.

This kind of movie stays with you. It’s uncomfortable, thought-provoking, and unflinching in its portrayal of how easily power can be abused when absent accountability. It doesn’t just tell a story—it forces the audience to engage with it, to question their role as spectators, and to consider how these patterns persist beyond the screen.

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[photo courtesy of DISTORTED PICTURES, MAAA FILM]

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