TLDR;
This film explores the complexities of marriage, betrayal, and revenge through the eyes of Shahla, a woman who feels neglected by her husband, Amirhossein. After a chance encounter with a former acquaintance following a car accident, Shahla embarks on a path of self-discovery and rebellion, leading to unexpected consequences. The film examines themes of loneliness, societal expectations, and the search for personal worth within the confines of a seemingly loveless marriage.
- Shahla's journey from a neglected wife to a woman seeking revenge and self-discovery.
- The impact of societal expectations and marital dissatisfaction on individual choices.
- The exploration of complex relationships and the consequences of betrayal.
Opening Scene and Introduction to Shahla's Discontent [0:26]
The film opens with credits, introducing the cast and crew, including Niki Karimi, Mostafa Zamani, and Mitra Hajjar, with Mostafa Shayesteh as the director. Shahla reflects on a conversation with her husband, Amirhossein, the night before their wedding, where his lack of enthusiasm hinted at future problems. This sets the stage for her current dissatisfaction and feelings of being unfulfilled in her marriage.
The Car Accident and Reunion [3:23]
Shahla is driving with her children when she gets into a minor car accident. The other driver turns out to be someone from her past, an old neighbour. This chance encounter sparks a series of events that lead Shahla to question her life choices and the state of her marriage.
Daily Routine and Growing Estrangement [6:22]
The film shows Shahla's daily routine, which includes taking care of her children and managing the household. A series of scenes depict her interactions with her children, her domestic tasks, and snippets of conversations that highlight her growing distance from Amirhossein. This includes a discussion with her children about the accident and her attempts to hide it from her husband.
Seeking Solace and Confiding in a Friend [12:42]
Shahla meets with her friend Zari, confiding in her about the accident and her feelings of dissatisfaction. Zari encourages Shahla to address the issues in her marriage and supports her as she navigates her complex emotions. Shahla reveals that she has been contacted by the man whose car she hit, and they discuss the implications of this renewed connection.
The Car Repair and a Past Connection [14:32]
Shahla recounts her encounter with the man from the accident, revealing that he recognised her. She expresses a mix of emotions, including guilt and a sense of intrigue. Zari advises her to let the matter drop, but Shahla feels compelled to make amends for the damage to his car.
Growing Distance and a Failed Date [18:38]
Shahla and Zari discuss Amirhossein's increasingly late nights and lack of communication. Zari shares her own experience of a disastrous arranged date, highlighting the societal pressures and expectations placed on women. Shahla admits to feeling a sense of unease and confusion following her encounter with the man from the accident.
Family Dynamics and Underlying Tensions [21:37]
The film shows the family dynamic at home, with the children's squabbles and Shahla's attempts to mediate. She feels unsupported and unappreciated. This scene underscores the emotional distance between Shahla and Amirhossein, as well as her growing sense of isolation.
Household Management and Financial Matters [23:12]
Shahla discusses household finances and maintenance issues with Amirhossein, revealing a practical but emotionally detached relationship. The conversation touches on everyday concerns, such as paying bills and dealing with repairs, but lacks any genuine connection or intimacy.
A Chance Encounter and Lingering Feelings [24:28]
Shahla encounters a neighbour in the elevator, leading to a brief and awkward exchange. The scene highlights the superficiality of her interactions with others and her underlying sense of loneliness.
Domestic Life and Marital Disconnect [25:14]
The film depicts Shahla's domestic life, including grocery shopping and preparing meals. A conversation between Shahla and Amirhossein about the household help reveals their differing perspectives and underlying tensions. The scene underscores their lack of communication and growing emotional distance.
Neighbourly Disputes and Growing Frustration [27:51]
The sounds of a heated argument from the neighbours next door amplify Shahla's own sense of unease and frustration. The scene serves as a backdrop to her internal turmoil and highlights the breakdown of relationships.
Paying for the Damage and a Mysterious Call [28:45]
Shahla delivers money to Mr. Hamidi, the man from the accident, to cover the car repairs. She receives a mysterious phone call, adding to the suspense and intrigue.
Confiding in Zari and Planning Repairs [30:01]
Shahla speaks with Zari about paying Mr. Hamidi and arranging for the car repairs. The conversation reveals Shahla's determination to take responsibility for her actions and her growing sense of independence.
Reflection and a Moment of Truth [32:13]
Shahla reflects on her encounter with Mr. Hamidi and the unexpected emotions it stirred within her. She confides in Zari about her feelings and questions her own worth and happiness in her marriage.
Zari's Concerns and Shahla's Defiance [32:50]
Zari expresses concern about Shahla's actions and the potential consequences for her marriage and family. Shahla defends her choices, asserting her right to seek happiness and fulfilment, even if it means defying societal expectations.
Seeking Revenge and a Turning Point [34:43]
Shahla declares that the accident had a point and that she is now seeking revenge. This marks a turning point in the film, as Shahla embraces a more assertive and rebellious stance.
Fear and Uncertainty [35:57]
Despite her defiance, Shahla admits to feeling scared and uncertain about the future. She acknowledges the potential pain and consequences of her actions, but remains determined to pursue her own path.
A Gift and a Threatening Call [36:37]
Zari gives Shahla a gift, a gesture of support and friendship. Amirhossein receives a threatening phone call, warning him about his wife's behaviour and hinting at infidelity.
Suspicion and Denial [37:37]
Amirhossein confronts Shahla about the phone call, but she dismisses it as nonsense. He expresses suspicion and unease, but ultimately chooses to believe his wife's denial.
Late Nights and Growing Distance [39:07]
The film depicts Shahla's late nights and her increasing emotional distance from Amirhossein. She receives messages from friends, highlighting her absence from social events and her preoccupation with other matters.
Confrontation and Justification [40:46]
Amirhossein questions Shahla about her whereabouts and her failure to answer his calls. She offers vague explanations and justifications, further fueling his suspicion and mistrust.
A Funeral and a New Acquaintance [42:35]
Shahla attends a funeral with Zari and meets a new acquaintance, Mohsen. The encounter sparks a connection and offers Shahla a glimpse of a different kind of relationship.
Zari's Concerns and Shahla's Defiance [44:49]
Zari expresses concern about Shahla's growing involvement with Mohsen and the potential consequences for her marriage. Shahla dismisses her concerns, asserting her right to seek happiness and connection, even if it means defying societal norms.
A Police Encounter and a Wardrobe Purchase [45:43]
Shahla and Zari are stopped by the police, adding a moment of tension and uncertainty. Shahla purchases a wardrobe, a symbol of her desire for change and renewal.
Household Tensions and a Dentist Visit [49:03]
Shahla's interactions with the household help reveal her growing sense of unease and dissatisfaction. Amirhossein's plans to rent out a room spark a conflict, highlighting their differing priorities and values.
Another Threatening Call and Mounting Suspicion [50:53]
Amirhossein receives another threatening phone call, further fueling his suspicion and mistrust. The caller reveals details about Shahla's past and her renewed connection with Mr. Hamidi.
Confrontation and Denial [52:44]
Amirhossein confronts Shahla about the phone calls and the information he has received. She denies the allegations, but her evasiveness and lack of transparency only serve to deepen his suspicion.
Family Dinner and Underlying Tensions [53:34]
A family dinner is disrupted by the children's questions about the car accident and Shahla's relationship with Mr. Hamidi. Amirhossein becomes increasingly agitated and demands answers, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere.
Confessions and Justifications [56:24]
Shahla confesses to her son about the accident and her attempts to handle the situation on her own. She justifies her actions, explaining that she wanted to protect her family from unnecessary drama and conflict.
A Late-Night Phone Call and Growing Anxiety [58:04]
Amirhossein receives a late-night phone call, adding to his anxiety and suspicion. He confronts Shahla, demanding to know the truth about her whereabouts and her relationship with Mr. Hamidi.
A Doctor's Visit and Mounting Suspicion [59:00]
Ms. Shafahi visits Amirhossein's clinic, seeking a checkup and further fueling his suspicion. He confronts his colleague about her friendship with Shahla, revealing his growing paranoia and mistrust.
Confrontation and Accusations [1:00:27]
Amirhossein confronts his mistress, accusing her of betraying him and revealing his secrets. He asserts his commitment to his wife and children, but his actions suggest otherwise.
Dismissal and Resentment [1:01:24]
Amirhossein dismisses his mistress, ending their relationship and leaving her feeling resentful and betrayed. He hires Ms. Ghaderi's daughter to replace her, further highlighting his manipulative and controlling behaviour.
Zari's Advice and Shahla's Defiance [1:02:50]
Zari advises Shahla to end her affair with Mr. Hamidi, warning her about the potential consequences for her marriage and family. Shahla dismisses her concerns, asserting her right to seek happiness and fulfilment, even if it means defying societal expectations.
Another Threatening Call and Mounting Paranoia [1:05:04]
Amirhossein receives another threatening phone call, further fueling his paranoia and suspicion. The caller urges him to check on his wife and discover the truth about her whereabouts.
Confrontation and Violence [1:05:35]
Amirhossein confronts Shahla, demanding to know where she has been and who she has been seeing. He becomes increasingly agitated and violent, ultimately attacking her in a fit of rage.
Aftermath and Despair [1:10:08]
Shahla is left battered and bruised after the attack. She calls Zari for help, asking her to pick up her son from school and take him to her mother's house.
Escape and Reflection [1:11:57]
Shahla flees her home, seeking refuge from Amirhossein's violence. She reflects on her life choices and the events that have led her to this point.
Seeking Solace and Support [1:15:21]
Shahla seeks solace and support from her mother, confiding in her about the abuse she has suffered. She makes the difficult decision to leave Amirhossein and start a new life.
A Mother's Love and a Son's Concern [1:16:33]
Shahla's son expresses concern for his mother's well-being, sensing that something is wrong. She reassures him, but her words ring hollow in the face of her own pain and uncertainty.
Acceptance and Determination [1:17:50]
Shahla declares that she has made a decision and that she will not be swayed by doubt or regret. She is determined to leave Amirhossein and create a better life for herself and her children.
Confrontation and Denial [1:18:26]
Amirhossein confronts Shahla, demanding to know why she has been acting so strangely. He denies any wrongdoing and accuses her of being ungrateful and unreasonable.
A Son's Love and a Mother's Day Message [1:19:56]
Shahla's son expresses his love and appreciation for her in a heartfelt Mother's Day message. The scene highlights the bond between mother and son and the importance of family support.
A Party and Lingering Tensions [1:21:22]
Shahla and Amirhossein attend a party, but their relationship remains strained and awkward. The scene underscores their emotional distance and the breakdown of their marriage.
A Moment of Reflection and a Confession [1:27:12]
Shahla reflects on her actions and confesses to Zari that she paid Mahnaz to give false information to Amirhossein. She admits that she was seeking revenge, but that it did not bring her the satisfaction she had hoped for.
The Wardrobe and a Symbol of Change [1:28:53]
The wardrobe is finally delivered, a symbol of Shahla's desire for change and renewal. The scene highlights her determination to create a new life for herself, free from the constraints of her unhappy marriage.
The Truth Revealed and a Final Confrontation [1:30:02]
Shahla learns that Mahnaz did not make the calls to Amirhossein, leaving her to wonder who was behind the deception. The film ends with Shahla reflecting on her journey and the choices she has made.
Final Thoughts and Credits [1:31:41]
Shahla reflects on her actions, acknowledging that revenge did not bring her the peace she had hoped for. The film concludes with the credits, acknowledging the cast and crew who brought the story to life.