Directed by
Asghar Farhadi
Made by
Cinema Guild
Discover the intricate plot of About Elly (2009) (2015). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A group of middle-class Iranians, once classmates from the university’s law faculty, arrives at the picturesque Caspian Sea for a delightful three-day getaway. Among the group are Sepideh, her husband Amir, and their young daughter, alongside Shohreh, her husband Peymān, and their two children, including their son Arash. Also joining them are Nāzy and her husband Manuchehr.
To make the trip even more interesting, Sepideh invites her daughter’s kindergarten teacher, Elly, hoping to introduce her to Ahmad, a divorced friend visiting from Germany. Upon reaching their seaside mansion, they learn from the caretaker that the owners will return the following day, prompting a shift to a secluded beachfront villa where Sepideh concocts a lie—that Elly and Ahmad are married and on their honeymoon.
As the days unfold, Elly, initially reserved, finds herself intrigued by Ahmad, who appears to reciprocate her feelings. In a moment of uncertainty, she contacts her mother, falsely stating that she is enjoying a day with her colleagues at a coastal resort, expressing her intent to return to Tehran the next day as initially planned. She asks her mother to keep her visit a secret from others, revealing the tangled web of lies surrounding her trip.
Determined to keep Elly from leaving, Sepideh hides her luggage before stepping out for an errand. The situation escalates when one of the mothers enlists Elly’s help to supervise the children by the sea. Unexpectedly, Arash is discovered floating in the ocean, while Elly has mysteriously vanished. Though Arash is resuscitated, the fate of Elly remains ominous, leaving the group in disarray as they ponder whether she has drowned or managed to return to Tehran.
As panic sets in, suspicions arise, and the group begins to turn on one another, blaming each other for the troubling circumstances surrounding Elly’s absence. However, deeper secrets complicate matters; it is revealed that Sepideh had been dishonest all along. Elly was engaged to a man named Alireza, which she was hesitant to disclose. Initially, Elly declined Sepideh’s invitation but eventually relented due to pressure.
Alireza’s sudden arrival brings chaos as he confronts Ahmad, questioning Sepideh’s role in Elly’s escape. Despite wanting to clear the air and protect Elly’s dignity, Sepideh bends to the group’s anxious urging and lies, claiming Elly had eagerly accepted the invitation to join the trip.
Tragedy strikes when a body is discovered in the water. Alireza, heartbroken, identifies the corpse as Elly at the mortuary, leading to an emotional unraveling of the already fragile dynamics among the group.
Track the key events of About Elly (2009) (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Group Reunion at the Caspian Sea
A group of middle-class Iranians, who are former university law classmates, gather for a much-anticipated three-day getaway at the picturesque Caspian Sea. Among the group are Sepideh, her husband Amir, their daughter, Shohreh, her husband Peymān, and their children, along with Nāzy and Manuchehr.
Introduction of Elly
To make the trip more exciting, Sepideh invites her daughter’s kindergarten teacher, Elly, hoping to introduce her to her divorced friend Ahmad, who is visiting from Germany. This invitation adds a layer of complexity to the group's dynamics as they settle into their seaside location.
Change of Venue
Upon arrival at their mansion, the group learns from the caretaker that the owners will return the next day. This leads them to move to a more secluded beachfront villa, where Sepideh decides to create a fabricated backstory that Elly and Ahmad are married and on their honeymoon.
Elly's Growing Interest in Ahmad
Over the next few days, Elly, who starts off as reserved, begins to develop an intriguing connection with Ahmad, who seems to mirror her feelings. However, her feelings are complicated by the deception surrounding her presence on the trip.
Elly’s Secret Communication
In a moment of uncertainty, Elly contacts her mother, misleadingly stating that she is having a pleasant time with colleagues at a resort. She expresses her intent to leave for Tehran the following day and requests her mother to keep her trip a secret, deepening the web of lies.
Desperate Measures
Determined to prevent Elly from leaving, Sepideh hides Elly's luggage before heading out for an errand. This act illustrates Sepideh's desperation to maintain the facade, fearing the impact of the truth on their relationships.
The Child’s Emergency
The situation takes a sharp turn when one of the mothers asks Elly for help watching the children by the sea. Suddenly, chaos ensues when Arash is found floating in the ocean, drawing the group's attention away from Elly, who mysteriously goes missing.
Panic Over Elly's Disappearance
As panic sets in, the group begins to frantically search for Elly and debate the circumstances of her absence. Confusion and fear lead to suspicions among the friends, as they question whether she has drowned or secretly returned to Tehran.
Unraveling Secrets
The group turns on one another, exacerbated by the revelation of underlying secrets. It becomes known that Sepideh had lied about Elly's relationship status, as Elly was actually engaged to Alireza, complicating their efforts to understand her whereabouts.
Alireza's Arrival
The tension escalates with the unexpected arrival of Alireza, Elly's fiancé, who confronts Ahmad regarding his involvement. Alireza's presence adds to the emotional turmoil, as suspicions about Sepideh's intentions begin to surface.
A Betrayal of Trust
Despite knowing the truth, Sepideh goes along with the group's anxious claims, stating that Elly had been eager to join the trip. This manipulation sparks further distrust, leaving remaining friendships in jeopardy.
Discovery of the Body
A shocking turn of events occurs when a body is discovered in the water, leading everyone to a state of devastation. The body is later identified as Elly's, marking a tragic end to the weekend and sending shockwaves through the group.
Heartbreak at the Mortuary
Alireza, heartbroken and in despair, identifies the deceased body as Elly at the mortuary. This tragic revelation leads to an emotional unraveling among the group, exposing the fragile nature of their relationships and the consequences of their lies.
The Aftermath
The group is left to confront the repercussions of their actions and the tangled web of lies that led to such a tragic ending. The once idyllic getaway by the Caspian Sea transforms into a haunting reminder of lost friendship and lost lives.
Meet the characters that bring About Elly (2009) (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sepideh
Sepideh is a well-meaning yet manipulative character, whose desire to connect her friend Elly with Ahmad leads to unforeseen chaos. Her protective nature for her daughter often blurs the lines of honesty, causing her to make dubious choices. As layers of her character unfold, Sepideh's motivations reveal a complex blend of love and control.
Elly
Elly is a reserved yet intriguing character caught in a complex web of lies and expectations. Her initial engagement to Alireza complicates her interactions with Ahmad, creating an undercurrent of tension. Despite her hesitations, her journey reflects the struggles of autonomy versus societal pressure.
Ahmad
Ahmad, a divorced man visiting from Germany, represents a potential escape for Elly from her reality. His character is layered with charm and curiosity, creating a connection with Elly that complicates her existing commitments. His role becomes pivotal in the unfolding drama, as he unintentionally becomes a catalyst for Elly's crisis.
Arash
Arash, the young son of Shohreh and Peymān, becomes an essential element in the group's turmoil. His near-drowning incident thrusts the adults into panic, leading to escalating tensions among them. As a child caught in adult conflicts, his character symbolizes innocence amidst chaos.
Uncover the settings of About Elly (2009) (2015), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie explores contemporary issues facing modern Iranian society. While it doesn't specify an exact time, the dynamics and social norms reflect current societal dialogues. The era is marked by a clash between traditional values and modern desires, exemplified through the characters' interactions and the secrets they harbor.
Location
Caspian Sea, Tehran
The beautiful Caspian Sea serves as a serene backdrop for this group of friends as they escape their urban lives in Tehran. Known for its picturesque beaches and tranquil atmosphere, the location emphasizes both the beauty and the underlying tensions in their relationships. As the narrative unfolds near the sea, the contrasting bustling life of Tehran looms in the background, highlighting the characters' struggle with their personal secrets.
Explore the core themes of About Elly (2009) (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Deception
Deception runs deep as the characters manipulate truths for their personal agendas. Sepideh's lies about Elly's relationship lead to unforeseen consequences, revealing how secrets can unravel friendships. The film critiques the pressures of social expectations that drive individuals to fabricate their realities.
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Loss
Loss permeates the film, culminating in the tragic disappearance of Elly. As the group grapples with both emotional and literal losses, the narrative examines how sudden tragedy can expose deeper fractures within relationships. Elly's potential fate forces the characters to confront their own fears and regrets.
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Secrecy
Secrecy shapes the group dynamics, leading to tensions as hidden truths come to light. The narrative illustrates how guardedness can create rifts in relationships, fostering an environment where trust is fragile. Elly's reluctance to reveal her past ultimately contributes to the chaos that ensues.
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