The Old Bachelor Trailer

If Oktay Baraheni’s debut feature, Bridge of Sleep (2016), drew inspiration from Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, his sophomore feature channels the dark soul of Shakespeare’s family tragedies. A coruscating critique of patriarchy, like the best Iranian films The Old Bachelor’s power lies in balancing the specificity of its locale with a wider, more universal commentary on any society where gender inequality exists, and patriarchy is accepted as the status quo. The performances by Hamed Behdad, Hassan Pourshirazi and Mohammad Valizadegan are roundly superb, while Leila Hatami excels as the new resident unaware of her landlord’s intentions. Baraheni once again proves himself a writer and director of rare sensitivity and profound compassion.
- Vanja Kaludjercic