Tehran Taboo 2018
Directed by
Ali Soozandeh
Made by
ARP Sélection
Plot Summary
Pari, the protagonist, finds herself trapped in a dire situation where she cannot obtain a divorce without the consent of her unyielding husband. As a consequence, she has been coerced into prostitution, engaging in sexual acts while her six-year-old son, Elias, is present. In a desperate attempt to change her circumstances, Pari approaches a judge in the Islamic Revolutionary Court to request a divorce, even though her husband does not approve. The judge, however, proposes an alternative solution—a concubine arrangement—and offers her an apartment that he owns, where she subsequently encounters Sara and her husband.
Simultaneously, a parallel story unfolds with Donya revealing to Babak that she is on the verge of marrying another man. Due to societal expectations in Iran that demand brides be virgins, Donya and Babak find themselves in an outrageous predicament, as they scramble to fund a risky and illegal procedure meant to restore her virginity. Soon after, Donya confides in Pari that her marriage is a façade; instead, she is being sold to a trafficker bound for Dubai, where virgins fetch a significantly higher price.
As the narrative progresses, the film reaches a tragic climax with Sara’s dramatic downfall. Her life is irrevocably altered when Pari, in a moment of spite, makes a prank call placing a sexually explicit request on Sara’s phone, which is ultimately traced back to her. As a result, Sara’s husband banishes her from their home. Devastated, she takes her own life, while Babak chooses to escape the country in search of freedom.
Timeline
Pari's Dilemma
Pari finds herself in a desperate situation, unable to obtain a divorce due to her unyielding husband's refusal. Coerced into prostitution, she must navigate her dire circumstances while trying to protect her young son, Elias, who is often present during her ordeals.
Seeking Justice
In a brave move, Pari approaches a judge at the Islamic Revolutionary Court to request a divorce. Despite her husband's objections, the judge suggests an alternative solution involving a concubine arrangement, which sets the stage for Pari's next steps.
New Arrangements
After her meeting with the judge, Pari is offered an apartment that the judge owns. When she moves in, she meets Sara and her husband, leading to an unexpected friendship amid shared struggles.
Donya's Secret
Parallel to Pari's plight, Donya confides in Babak about her upcoming marriage to another man. Their love faces societal pressures, compelling them to pursue a risky and illegal procedure to restore Donya's virginity before her wedding.
Desperate Measures
With the pressure mounting, Donya and Babak scramble to gather funds for the virginity restoration procedure. This outrageous predicament highlights the extreme lengths they are willing to go due to cultural expectations.
A Heartbreaking Confession
Donya reveals to Pari that her marriage is merely a facade and that she is being sold to a trafficker bound for Dubai. The shocking truth underscores the darker aspects of their reality and the crisis affecting women in their society.
Sara's Downfall
As tensions rise, Sara becomes the victim of a prank call made by Pari, which places a sexually explicit request on her phone. This ill-fated joke is soon traced back to Pari, creating dire consequences for Sara.
Repercussions
Following the prank call incident, Sara's husband banishes her from their home. This decision sends Sara into a downward spiral, showcasing the impact of societal judgments on individuals facing crises.
Tragic Conclusion
Devastated by her situation, Sara takes her own life, a heartbreaking culmination of her struggles. This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the harsh realities faced by women like Pari and Sara.
Babak's Escape
In the aftermath of Sara's death, Babak decides to flee the country in search of freedom. His choice reflects the harsh decision-making many individuals must confront due to the oppressive nature of their society.
Characters
Pari
Pari is a determined and desperate woman seeking freedom from an unyielding marriage. Her vulnerability pushes her into prostitution, showcasing her struggle for survival and love for her son, Elias. Throughout the film, her character embodies the resilience and sacrifice common among women in restrictive societies.
Donya
Donya is a complex character torn between societal expectations and personal desires. Facing pressure to conform to virginity norms before marriage, she navigates her relationship with Babak amid severe consequences. Her fate reveals the harsh realities women face in pursuing autonomy in oppressive settings.
Sara
Sara's character experiences a tragic downfall, highlighting the dire consequences stemming from societal pressures and spiteful actions. Her journey from a seemingly stable life to despair reveals the fragility of personal relationships when confronted with betrayal and public scrutiny.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary Iran, reflecting the constraints and societal pressures faced by women in a patriarchal society. Issues such as divorce, virginity, and trafficking reveal deep-rooted cultural norms and the impact of political structures on personal lives.
Location
Tehran
Tehran is the bustling capital city of Iran, known for its rich history and modern lifestyle. It serves as a cultural and political hub, with a diverse population and complex social dynamics. The city is characterized by stark contrasts, from luxury neighborhoods to impoverished areas, highlighting the struggles faced by many residents.
Themes
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Justice
The theme of justice is central to the film, as characters navigate a legal system that often fails to protect the vulnerable. Pari's quest for divorce highlights the challenges women face when seeking autonomy in a male-dominated society. The unjust treatment of women speaks to larger issues of gender inequality and societal repression.
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Desperation
Desperation permeates the lives of the characters, driving them to make extreme choices in pursuit of freedom and dignity. Pari's involvement in prostitution and Donya's drastic measures to remain a virgin underscore the lengths individuals will go to escape their grim realities. This theme raises questions about survival in oppressive environments.
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Trafficking
The film sheds light on the dark reality of human trafficking, particularly how vulnerable women can be exploited based on societal expectations. Donya's impending sale into trafficking emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action against such criminal activities. It confronts viewers with the ethical dilemmas surrounding body autonomy and consent.
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