© Films Boutique
In a year where grim stories about Iran and its government have dominated Western news outlets and social media, “Terrestrial Verses,” the new film by Ali Asgari and Alireza Khatami reflects the somber sentiments widely portrayed. Through many carefully constructed vignettes, the film reveals the everyday struggles of Iranians, offering a more intimate, complex, yet at times monotonous perspective on life in the country.
Original Title: Ayeh Haye Zamini
Directed by: Ali Asgari, Alireza Khatami
Year: 2023
Country: Iran
Length: 77 minutes
The depicted tales are diverse and are unrelated to one another in terms of narrative, yet are tied together with a common thread of misery and limitation. We see a man confronting societal norms to name his son, which is met with protest because the name is supposedly too Western. Furthermore, a woman is accused of having a boyfriend, while another woman is vilified for having driven a car without her hijab on. Asgari and Khatami tell the stories of people from all walks of life, covering young until old. However, the constant focus on these challenges risk numbing its audience, especially those already familiar with the socio-political climate of Iran. The misery portrayed, although well-crafted, could use some kind of variety, be it in terms of style or narrative, to allow viewers moments to breathe and to avoid only showcasing a uniform experience.
Despite this, the strength of “Terrestrial Verses” lies in its commitment to showcasing the filmmakers’ truth, delivering slices of life in Iran. This gaze, clearly designed primarily with a Western audience in mind, provides an unromanticized look into the lives of ordinary Iranians but may also lead audience members to demonize the entire nation based on these accounts. It becomes crucial to remember that while the film is entrenched in a realist style, it represents a single dimension and a point-of-view of Iran. Because of this, the narrative at times leans towards being one-dimensional. Introducing any tableau that offers a counter-narrative or a glimpse of hope could have provided much-needed intermission and a more balanced portrayal of Iranian life. This could have also added to the level of engagement the film lacks after a while, as after a while the audience receives exactly what they expect and not much beyond that.
Regardless, on a technical level, the film is well-made, with fascinating artistic decisions. The choice of the 4:3 aspect ratio symbolizes the confines and restrictions the characters face, creating a strong sense of claustrophobia that represents the world of its subjects. Additionally, the performances of the ensemble cast radiate power through protest, adding layers of resilience and emphasizing the film’s commitment to questioning established social norms. The decision to keep the camera stationary for each tableau emphasizes the focus on these individual stories, making each story even more personal.
“Terrestrial Verses” is a reflection of the harsh realities various groups of Iranians face. The film’s realism and the filmmakers’ refusal to dilute their narrative make it a significant cinematic endeavor. It offers an unromanticized, yet singularly focused lens into the heart of Iran, requiring viewers to approach it with patience and introspection. The film covers familiar grounds with a high level of passion and commitment to the director’s goal.
Terrestrial Verses screened at the 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival.
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