Academy Award winner Asghar Farhadi once again showcases his unpredictable and enticing storytelling skills in his latest drama thriller.
Four years ago Ahmed (Ali Mosaffa) left his French wife, Marie (Bérénice Bejo), and her two daughters from a previous marriage, to return to his homeland, Iran. Now he has come back to France to finalize his divorce so his wife can remarry. Upon his arrival, he comes to find out that Marie’s oldest daughter, Lucie (Pauline Burlet), can not stand the future husband to be, who also has his own son. As Ahmed begins to discover the reasoning behind Lucie’s hate, secrets of how Marie and her fiancée got together start to unfold; leading to one shocking truth after another.
I think it’s best to not go into too much detail of the events that occur in this film. The beauty and brilliance of the bilingual movie, spoken in both French and Persian, is how you are not able to figure out what will happen next. In fact, you will probably assume that you have the entire story pegged out already. It is definitely laid out that way in the beginning. But like his format in A Separation, Farhadi makes the audience suspect multiple scenarios while keeping them on the edge of their seats.
The Past features spellbinding performances by the entire cast, with a stand-out performance by Bérénice Bejo. Famously known for her role in The Artist, Academy Award nominee Bejo is even more captivating with sound. Alongside her remarkable acting is the exceptional direction. Farhadi not only writes a scintillating, detailed script without heavy dialogue, he also shoots his scenes in the most creative, yet subtle technique.
For anyone who enjoyed A Separation, I guarantee you will not be disappointed with The Past. Following the same style and tone, this film draws you in and keeps you guessing till the very end. The magnificent final shot will leave audiences experiencing various emotions when the last character that you would expect, sheds a tear.
Rated PG-13 for mature, thematic material and brief strong language.
The Past hits theaters on January 17.
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
I can not knock the acting, it was solid and Manuela Martelli is not only beautiful, but she is a joy to watch. She has an effortless about her when she is on screen. Literally, she could be doing nothing and yet she is still so enchanting. This is probably why the relationship she has with Maciste is so believable.
Even with the cast being mostly new to the big screen, they don’t show any signs of amateur acting. Eugenio Derbez is one of the biggest actors in Mexico, if not the biggest. Having already made a few small appearances in American films like Jack and Jill and Girl in Progress, he makes a giant leap as the star, director, and co-writer of Instructions Not Included. He is a natural comedian and is hilarious in either language. From his dumb-founded facial expressions to his genuine caring father moments, you’re immediately connected to this character. Throw in newcomer, Loreto Peralta, as the adorable smart-aleck daughter and you have a dynamic duo. These two have such great chemistry and a heartwarming father/daughter relationship. Of course watching Valentin figure out how to take care of baby Maggie using whatever he has around him, including a clever backpack with holes for legs as a baby carrier strap on is priceless. Maggie’s mother Julie plays a less lovable character. Jessica Lindsey, does a fantastic job as a selfish and confused baby mama who can’t quite make up her mind on whether or not she’s capable of motherhood.
