It Was Just An Accident Review
When Eghbal (Ebrahim Azizi), a man with a prosthetic leg, has his car break down at night and has to visit a nearby garage to get it fixed, he does not think much of this incident or his encounter with the people working there. But for Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri), an Azerbajan auto mechanic, this moment changes everything as he recognises Eghbal by his stumbling walk as his former tormentor when he was in an Iranian prison. The next day, Vahid follows Eghbal to kidnap him, but the latter vehemently denies this. Vahid then starts doubting himself and enlists the help of other former prisoners to establish the truth, including photographer Shiva (Mariam Afshari), her friend Goli (Hadis Pakbaten), who is about to get married to Ali (Majid Panahi), and her former partner Hamid (Mohamad Ali Elyashmehr).
As It Was Just An Accident goes on, and all the major players of this story are introduced, it becomes increasingly clear that each character in this film represents a different attitude and reaction to an authoritarian regime. Despite having faced similar struggles and yet their reactions to such traumatic events differ depending on the individual, thus painting a realistic portrayal of the wide spectrum of human experiences. While we may tend to side with one character more than the other depending on our personal preferences and ideas, it is undeniable that all of them are making valid points. Some thoughts and beliefs may be questionable, but as we learn each character’s personal story, we start to understand where they are coming from. Ultimately, the final scene begs the question: can we really stand up to an authoritarian regime, and how far are we willing to go to do so?
The villain creates a menacing presence throughout the film despite having significantly fewer lines. It Was Just An Accident speaks to the very current political situation in Iran, which has affected the director and the making of this movie, which had to be produced and filmed in secret first-hand. However, this does not make its story or its commentary any less relevant or meaningful. In a world where modern liberal democracies in the Global North have generally turned to the far right, its message is incredibly powerful even across the Iranian borders.
Jafar Panahi creates a movie that is just as visually striking as it is brilliantly written. A lot of It Was Just An Accident takes place in a desert with its harsh climate portrayed through a vibrant colour palette that focuses on the earthy tones of the sand against a striking blue sky. Against this scenic landscape stand the main characters, with one of them wearing a lavish wedding dress, and the grey van that becomes key to the entire story. It seems like a surreal situation – and perhaps it is – but somehow this movie pulls it off with its stunning cinematography, clever costumes, and excellent chemistry between the actors. The latter is one of the strongest elements of the film, which is at its very best in the group scenes made up of fascinating and conflicting dynamics and strong characters.
Overall, It Was Just An Accident is an incredibly powerful film that equally paints a painful picture of Iran, as it can resonate globally for the themes and important topics it touches on. All of this is done brilliantly thanks to its original and exciting premise that will get the audience involved in this drama and its characters from the very beginning of the film.
★★★★ 1/2
In UK cinemas from December 5th / Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr, Delnaz Najafi, Afssaneh Najmabadi, Georges Hashemzadeh / Dir: Jafar Panahi / MUBI / 12A
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