One of this year’s Oscar entries for Best Foreign Film comes from Iran and writer/director Asghar Farhadi, who won the award for “The Separation.” It starts as a couple is forced to evacuate their apartment and move into a new building. When they return home from their production of “Death of a Salesman,” an unfortunate incident launches the drama with grief and suspicion. In American hands, this would be a high-pitched angry drama, but in the apprehensive culture of Iran and the underplayed style of the director, it’s rendered as a more sober experience. There’s virtually no music. The pacing is deliberate. Tension rises slightly during the compelling final encounter, but it remains emotionally subdued. This film provides interesting cultural insights and subtle performances, but the meandering pace requires patience. (Criterion Cinemas only, subtitles)
(3.5 / 5)