3 Faces

What's striking about this film is that it basically is a documentary. Even though it opens with the hook of Marziyeh's suicide video and disappearance, something which could very easily spin off into a compelling mystery-drama, it never feels like Jafari and Panahi (playing themselves for an added layer of documentary) are doing more than going on a side quest. There's no character arc, climax, resolution, etc., it's just a random episode in their lives which only lasts around a day and ends with them quietly returning to their jobs. In doing that, it becomes more of a character study into the village, both as a (real) geographical place and as a (real) collective people. The underlying hypocrisy of the traditionalist villagers feels so vivid and true to life, and it's entirely because they're portrayed with so much grace, as regular people just going about their lives and trying to do what they think is best, that it's able to land so effectively. I'm not very educated on the history or culture of Iran, but I felt like I was gleaning a lot through this films candor; it presents the world as it is and leaves the viewer to decide what they'll make of it, and I've always considered that one of the most powerful ways to utilize art. Love how it chews the scenery, love it when I can look at a location in a film and feel it in my skin. Love how it explores the titular 3 Faces, which other people have articulated better than I could. I wasn't sure how I felt about having this be my first Panahi but after sitting on it I feel like it's a good one for easing into his style. There's a day-to-night transition in here that fried my brain so scrumptiously, that moment alone tells me he has the directing sauce and I'm so excited to see more from him <3