A Separation

Nader and Simin in courtroom discussing divorce. Tension and moral stakes introduced. Family life strained.

Theme: Truth, justice, and ethical ambiguity in everyday life. Choices have deep consequences.

Simin wants to leave Iran for better life for daughter Termeh. Nader refuses due to father's illness. Family dynamics, social pressures, and ethical dilemmas established.

Simin leaves Nader. Nader hires Razieh, a caregiver, for his father. Inciting incidents leading to conflict begin.

Razieh struggles with duties due to pregnancy and religious beliefs. Tension escalates. Accident occurs involving father. Questions of responsibility, morality, and truth arise.

Conflict between Nader and Razieh intensifies. Legal battle and ethical dilemmas fully underway. Characters forced into action and moral decisions.

Termeh witnesses the events and struggles with understanding right and wrong. Emotional stakes for child and family deepen.

Investigation, interrogation, and family arguments unfold. Nuanced moral questions explored. Tension and suspense build.

Critical revelation: key facts about the incident emerge. Stakes raised emotionally and socially. False hopes and realizations occur.

Family relationships strain further. Legal pressures mount. Moral complexity confounds all sides.

Family seems irreparably broken. Termeh witnesses adults' failures. Ethical dilemmas appear unsolvable.

Reflection on human nature, justice, and compromise. Characters face internal conflicts and societal pressures.

Decision point: characters take final actions regarding family and legal disputes. Acceptance and moral choices crystallize.

Resolution of family conflict, ambiguous moral outcomes. Termeh must reconcile with the choices of adults. Emotional closure without clear-cut answers.

Termeh looks at her parents, carrying the burden of family decisions. Moral ambiguity remains. Life continues, shaped by choices and compromises.