Review of A Separation (2011) by Sheldon C — 25 Feb 2014

Gripping, tense, heartfelt, powerful, painful, and stirring, Asghar Farhadi's A SEPARATION is an intense drama that captivates like a thriller by boasting astounding performances in addition to a compelling and tightly-woven narrative arc. It is an Iranian film that centers on intimate domestic issues in the midst of extreme hardships - a purely humanistic narrative that gets better and better as it progresses, building upon layer after layer after layer of dense situations in which these poor characters are helplessly engulfed within. In creating a plethora of deep emotions that are carried out honestly and never over-the-top by the ensemble's pitch-perfect performances, Farhadi manages to weave together multiple angles that are morally complex and excruciatingly truthful into each and every one of his primary characters. The plot is patiently set up - with its various pieces slowly establishing in place in the first few scenes - before snaring the audience into a wonderfully played 123-minute thrill ride that places viewers right beside its characters given the seemingly naturally-crafted handheld cinematography.

The film never resorts to flashy and glitzy elements to further its story - it absolutely has no need to - and proves that sincerity in all its forms whether it be in writing, acting, or directing, no matter the budget or technical limitations, can result in work of the highest quality. To put it simply, A SEPARATION is not only the best film of 2011, but also a master class in direction and screenwriting, and arguably one of the best works in the past decade.