Responsibly measured look inside the family unit

Sahar is out late again; her family are immigrants from Afghanistan and as such are much more traditional in their views – with the father in particular angry with what he sees as his daughter out all night with men, and bringing shame to her family. This night events come to a head.

This narrative could have gone many ways, and generally it is better for the fact that the film keeps things open, not giving us all the answers about the fate of Sahar by the end of the film. This is a good call because the film is not just about this narrative arc (although it is key), but rather it is a character piece inside this traditional family, which is having to deal with old fashioned ways within a culture that is nothing of the sort. As such we see the mother very much a supporting character in her house, the father of a very traditional (and hypocritical) mindset, the son trying to keep his head down, and the daughter just being like a girl her age and happy no longer to be under strict control from the government. It is a fairly simple scenario in some ways, but it feels genuine and natural, and as such the voices come through and we get a feeling for a family unit that many of us will not have experience of – for me the closest would have been living in an area of the city where a large immigrant population lives, and you can hear fights very like this one through thin walls, as children start to lead western lives.

The film layers a lot into the small scene, and I did like the open nature of it, because it doesn't make it about "an issue", although for sure this situation sits on a spectrum which does have "honor killing" at one end of it. The performances are good throughout, very convincing, and the film does hook you into this situation, which is where it is at its best.

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The family genre features stories specifically created to be suitable for a wide range of age groups within a family. Family-oriented content is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, often providing entertainment that is wholesome, relatable, and appropriate for all members of a family to watch or experience together.

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The mystery genre features the investigation and solving of a puzzle, typically a crime or an enigmatic event. Mysteries are known for their suspenseful narratives, intricate plots, and the challenge they present to readers or viewers to piece together clues and solve the central mystery alongside the characters.

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The short form refers to creative works characterized by their brevity and concise storytelling. Unlike full-length feature films, short films have a running time of less than 45 minutes, while TV shorts have a running time of less than 22 minutes.

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Nadim's parents struggle to understand the carefree and westernized lifestyle of their daughter Sahar. With tension high and tolerance low, the household remains at a standstill, waiting for her to come home.

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Panthea Vatandoost, Behtash Fazlali, and Alexander Farah in Sahar (2014)

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Panthea Vatandoost, Alexander Farah and Soheila Vatandoost at the premiere of Sahar

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