The Salesman

Review by Tanner Wright

The short:

An Iranian literature teacher and his wife have their lives upended when their move to a new Tehran apartment leaves them to deal with the secrets of the previous tenant.

The long: 

When the foundation of Emad and Rana’s apartment begins to crumble, the couple sets out to find a new apartment on short notice with little money. After moving into an apartment owned by their friend in the local theater, tragedy strikes when Rana encounters someone looking for the previous tenant. With a story woven between the couple’s performance of the play “Death of a Salesman” and the aftermath of this harrowing encounter, Asghar Farhadi produces a film with unusual emotional depth. Exploring themes of vengeance, justice, forgiveness and mercy, this film masterfully uses the lives of two ordinary Iranians to explore the complexities of humanity.

To watch or not to watch:

Watch! Asghar Farhadi remains one of the world’s great filmmakers, and this film is no exception. With awards for Best Screenplay and Best Actor at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, this film is enjoyable, accessible, and well worth a couple hours of your weekend.