Fireworks Wednesday (2006) 2016

In this intricate tapestry of relationships, we find ourselves entwined in the lives of Mozhdeh and Morteza Samiei (played by actors), a tempestuous couple on the cusp of embarking on a vacation to Dubai the morning after the vibrant Chaharshanbe Suri festival. In an effort to tidy up their apartment, they hire Rouhi, a soon-to-be bride through an agency, to help with the cleaning. Initially, Mozhdeh is adamant that Rouhi’s services are not required.

As Rouhi goes about her work, she begins to piece together the tumultuous dynamics between the couple. Mozhdeh’s suspicions of Morteza’s infidelity are confirmed after discovering Simin’s phone number in their logs. Unbeknownst to Mozhdeh, Simin is secretly operating a beauty salon from their apartment, further fueling the ire of their already skeptical neighbors. With Morteza planning to return home at 5 PM, Mozhdeh tasks Rouhi with discreetly ascertaining whether Simin will be unavailable until that hour; her fears are promptly confirmed.

Meanwhile, Simin finds herself with just enough time to trim Rouhi’s eyebrows before departing. In this intimate setting, Rouhi overhears a crucial detail: Simin is aware of the Samiei family’s impending departure to Dubai. As Rouhi prepares to leave, the landlord arrives, bearing the shocking news that the apartment is being sold - but Rouhi’s quick thinking allows her to deflect the confrontation by posing as Simin’s niece.

Upon returning to the Samiei residence, Rouhi discovers Mozhdeh has commandeered her chador, intending to use it to spy on Morteza. Faced with this development, Rouhi is left to take Amirali, their young son, home from school. Morteza’s fury upon learning of these events reaches a boiling point as he publicly lashes out at Mozhdeh. Fed up and exhausted, Mozhdeh decides to relocate to her sister and brother-in-law’s residence with Amirali, refusing to entertain Morteza’s half-hearted apologies. Seeking to diffuse the situation, Rouhi spins a fabrication about how Simin came to know their departure time.

As the night wears on, Morteza extends an invitation to Rouhi to accompany him and Amirali on a trip to behold the mesmerizing fireworks display, requesting her presence as payment for the ride home. He departs, leaving the two behind for a brief period, during which he convenes with Simin in private, verifying their illicit affair. However, his dismay is palpable when she reveals that she desires them to separate, not wanting to disrupt the harmony of the Samiei household. Simin’s distress intensifies as she is confronted on the street and succumbs to tears, now fully alone.

Rouhi, sensing an opportunity for insight, takes a moment to sniff Simin’s perfume, which she had previously applied to her hand. This fleeting gesture reveals the truth, as she catches Morteza in possession of Simin’s distinctive musical lighter. Later, while waiting for a ride home, Rouhi encounters Simin’s ex-husband, who has dropped off their daughter at the doorstep. With this new information, Rouhi considers sharing the revelation with Mozhdeh but ultimately decides against it.

Meanwhile, Mozhdeh continues her cleaning routine and keeps watch on Simin, as Rouhi secures a ride home. When Morteza inquires about their deception, an uncomfortable Rouhi can only muster that Simin had been kind to her that day. Her fiancé is impressed by the newly acquired eyebrow job, but this small victory offers little respite from the turmoil brewing within.

As the night draws to a close, Morteza attempts to persuade Simin’s ex-husband to enter the apartment, but they insist on spending the night in their car. As a result, Morteza is left to sleep alone, while Mozhdeh finds companionship with Amirali.