Retouch

Retouch, is a 2017 drama/thriller directed by Kaveh Mazaheri. The captivating short film stars Sonia Sanjari, Mohammad Hossein Ziksari, Siamak Farsi, who deliver power-packed performances. Running just over 18 minutes, Retouch is a gripping drama that has won several awards on the international film festival circuit, including Best Short Film at Tribeca Film Festival in 2017.

The narrative can best be described as a challenging exploration of societal norms, personal freedom, domestic routines, and the human psyche. It opens a window into the life of an ordinary Iranian woman, Maryam, portrayed brilliantly by Sonia Sanjari, guided by a layered and tension-filled script that keeps viewers riveted from beginning to end.

Maryam is employed in a print studio and works closely with her boss, portrayed by Siamak Farsi, in a professional relationship that is central to the evolution of the plot. Scrupulously designed, the film takes an account of her day-to-day life, which includes handling her motherly duties and managing her work. The protagonist's husband, Siavash, is characterised by Mohammad Hossein Ziksari. He is shown as an athlete, invested in his physical fitness routine.

The plot is set into motion when an unexpected incident occurs, triggering a chain of events that transforms Maryam's life. She's forced to make a difficult choice: whether to follow her societal instincts, or to act out on her personal interest. The movie skillfully balances its thrilling suspense with an underlining moral question around human behavior.

One impressive aspect of Retouch is the meticulous attention to detail Kaveh Mazaheri has paid, in order to provide depth to every character, no matter how small their role. The sinister undercurrent that flows through the movie is made more significant through a subtle yet striking cinematography, which vividly captures the worlds of Maryam, both internal and external.

The movie unfolds with minimal dialogues, relying heavily on the ability of its actors to convey complex emotions through their expressions and body language. Sonia Sanjari's performance as the protagonist is commendable. She instills Maryam with an unsuspected depth, making audience resonate with her internal struggles and empathize with her dilemmas. Mohammad Hossein Ziksari convincingly portrays the character of Siavash, delivering a nuanced performance that makes a significant contribution to the intense atmosphere of the film.

Retouch's original score complements the thriller genre perfectly, heightening the sense of anticipation, and significantly adding to the narrative's thrilling suspense. The minimalist yet profound sound design offers more depth to the film's atmosphere, with each auditory element contributing to the building tension and resolving it.

Mazaheri masterfully uses the short film format to tell a complete and compelling story that touches on complex themes, such as marriage, responsibilities, personal freedom, societal expectations and moral decisions under pressure. The movie doesn't rush into revealing the layers of the characters or the storyline, instead it builds up the drama and tension slowly that leaves the audience engaged throughout the film.

The film unusually fuses tension and mundanity, pushing viewers to critically analyze the line between personal freedom and societal norms. It jolts the viewers out of their comfort zone, throwing them into a moral dilemma, prompting them to question what they would do in a similar situation, and nudges them to think about societal norms that bind individual freedom.

In conclusion, Retouch is an intense and exhilarating journey, an exploration into the life of an ordinary woman in extraordinary circumstances. It's a showcase of Iranian cinema's ability to tell a powerful story using stark realism and authentic performances. Retouch is an intriguing film that keeps the viewers hooked with its tension-filled narrative and an unexpected turn of events. Interestingly, the film makes a profound statement without being preachy, leaving its interpretation to the audience. The film's meticulously crafted narrative, tension-filled plot, brilliant performances, and thought-provoking themes, make it a must-watch film.