Cert TBA
88 mins
BBFC advice: TBA
At the beginning of every year I have high ambition for the everyfilm challenge and 2016 is no exception.
Therefore, I am watching some movies which are appearing less than the three screenings which is what it usually takes to qualify for my agenda,
For example, through a subscription website called Festivalscope, I have immersed myself in the movies which are showing this weekend at the Edinburgh Iranian Festival.
The first of the trio was Reza Mirkarimi's Today which was Iran's official entry to the 2015 Academy Awards.
In the past, I have found Iranian movies engaging and have been impressed by their quality given that film-makers had often been under pressure by government.
The shackles appear to have been loosened of the past couple of years. Nevertheless, every Iranian movie I have seen majors on social comment and Today is no exception, while at the same time being a tense and unusual drama.
It stars Parviz Parastui as a taxi driver who picks up a pregnant young woman (Soheila Golestani) who looks as if she has been beaten.
The driver makes no comment as she tries to engage him in conversation between yelps of pain and sharp intakes of breath.
Eventually, they arrive at a hospital and she pleads with him to accompany her, fearing the shame of being an expectant mother without support.
As a consequence, the staff jump to the presumption that he is her husband and, most likely, has been responsible for her injuries. However, to preserve her honour he does not contradict them.
Today shows how false impressions can lead to substantial consequences unless they are disproved but it is also a commentary on how Iranian society views women.
Parastui is pitch-perfect as the taxi driver even though he rarely speaks during the movie. He complements Golestani whose character is loud and desperate.
Reasons to watch: an intriguing insight into Iran
Reasons to avoid: not one for action film fans
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7.5/10