Review: “Seed of the Sacred Fig” is a tense drama on impunity

Mar 30, 2025

Seed of the Sacred Fig

“Seed of the Sacred Fig” follows Iman, a family patriarch and newly appointed investigating judge in Tehran who grapples with the pressures of his job amidst the ongoing political conflicts in Iran. His security and trust with his wife and daughters will be tested when his gun, his sole weapon to protect himself, is stolen from him.

The film, written and directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, is embroiled in authoritarianism and the horrors that come when power is challenged. It is tense and unpredictable, and it takes its time throughout its almost three-hour running time. The central plot involving the loss of Iman’s gun only occurs halfway through the film, putting Iman on a slow transformation from being an everyday father and husband to the terrifying patriarch who will do everything in his hands to save himself from failure.

The slow build-up also allows the film to further develop its female characters. We only get to see Iman’s wife Najmeh, and their two daughters, Rezvan and Sana, get stuck in their homes for the most part, reflecting their restraining nature.

Seed of the Sacred Fig

“Seed of the Sacred Fig” isn’t perfect due to structural inconsistencies, but it carries an important universal statement on impunity and where should we stand if certain privileges and disadvantages were laid down on us. In some moments, the film will be spliced with real-life footage of chaos in Iran that deeply connects with the struggles of its characters. These peppered real-life moments were only halted as soon as its characters were confronted with the peak of their challenges.

Overall, the film is an essential watch, boosted by an incredible story behind the scenes. Rasoulof was in hiding while making this film, with most of the scenes shot in secret. You can sense the genuineness and urgent importance of making this from the way it was presented. It all felt very discreet and quiet but full of emotions.

“Seed of the Sacred Fig” is now showing in cinemas.

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