The mainstream is brimming with content painting Iran with a crisp, dark haze of smoke — flattening a three-dimensional country into a two-dimensional illustration of oppression. Unfortunately, Iranian truths are only highlighted when they conform to the Western notion of Middle Eastern misfortune. Iran’s stories, magnificent histories and blissful moments have disappeared into the abyss of the media. Yet, through their skillful cinematography, Iranian producers reclaim the narratives of a people who have been institutionally silenced.
Even amid mass bloodshed and an internet blackout, Iran is a land of love and light — beautifully encapsulated by the groundbreaking films and television they have produced. So, here’s a list of Iranian media I’ve watched recently that reminded me of the formidable creativity of a people whose chronicles are caged by a repressive regime.
Shahrzad (2015–2018)
Let’s take a brief walk through 1950s Tehran. We see a bustling economy of bazaars filling every street corner, exuding Hollywood’s Golden Age with a hint of Middle Eastern grace and elegance. And, of course, adorably tailored dresses, suits and hairstyles. Given this unprecedented evolution, the CIA incites a coup to overthrow the government and gain control over international operations.
This series centers on the tragic love story between Shahrzad, a medical student, and Farhad, a politically active journalist. A powerful mafia figure forcibly weds Shahrzad to his nephew, Ghobad, prohibiting ties between Shahrzad and Farhad. This situation quickly evolves into a distressing love triangle.
The series simultaneously showcases the social power dynamics at play as well as international forces acting on Iranian livelihoods. Beyond that, watching the strong feminist protagonist is absolutely revitalizing. Through modern Iranian history — real, raw Iranian stories — Shahrzad hones in on the emotive themes of love and familial duty across three seasons that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Fossil (2023)
I personally gravitate toward the most mindless movies known to mankind — a girl needs to escape reality sometimes, okay? Fortunately for me, the Iranian cinematic universe has a plethora of options. Fossil has to be my all-time favorite. Starring the hilarious Bahram Afshari, this movie shares the story of mediocre singers Esi, Saeed and Safa, who formed a band called Black Dogs. After a series of misfortunes in their careers, the lead singer, Esi, tries to orient their band to stardom by enlisting them to perform for the King.
In the process, he falls into a decade-long coma, waking up discombobulated in a post-Islamic Revolution Iran. The movie follows his journey to understanding how to live in his new country. Amusingly, this movie sneakily underscores the issues of the Islamic Revolution and the repressive Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the 1980s.
In my humble opinion, this film is pure gold and an absolute must-watch to escape the winter blues. And, of course, to lightheartedly understand the hostilities of the regime keeping the Iranian people in darkness.
The Salesman (2016)
The Oscar-winning film The Salesman portrays the gripping, heart-rending life of Rana and Emad. As the married couple prepares for their roles in “Death of a Salesman,” Rana is assaulted in the comfort of her home. The movie follows the harrowing ramifications of the assault.
Director Asghar Farhadi brilliantly weaves an engrossing tale between complex characters that had me immersed in the film and preoccupied with their lives for weeks. If you’re sick of bingeing brain-numbing Netflix shows, where series like Emily in Paris are still running (only God knows how), I would advise canceling your futile subscription to invest some time in watching The Salesman. You will only regret not watching it sooner.
The Color of Paradise (1999)
If you’re in the mood to weep, take a chance on the story of Mohammed, a blind boy living with his father, Hashem. Hashem rejects his son following the death of his wife, feeling that he is a shameful burden on his life. Words truly cannot do this film any justice; you simply have to watch it.
Minor trigger warning: You will spiral into a relentless, traumatic breakdown, making you question everything you’ve ever done up to this point in your life. I’m actually still crying while writing this. Watch this movie with caution, preferably in the privacy of your dorm and away from prying eyes.
Relic (2020–)
Let’s end this list on a positive note! Starring the iconic Pejman Jamshidi, Relic follows the life of a dimwitted man insisting on finding treasure buried beneath his family home. His obsession leads him and his family into ludicrous cross-country adventures. Despite the humorous, prominent adult performers, I personally believe Jamshidi’s on-screen son, Kaveh, steals the show through his realistic acting and legendary one-liners. If, like me, you’re looking to avoid all of life’s problems for a while, this show is most definitely for you!
Hand in hand, side by side, citizens are lighting the paths of darkness amid an internet blackout — just as Iranians have been through their decades of repression during the IRGC’s reign. Even after 47 years of darkness, Iranian cinema has found a way to bring light to the dimmest of showrooms, shining a spotlight on even the most ghastly historical nuances.
Regardless of your disinterest in long-form content nowadays, I truly hope this list can serve as a source of anti-brain rot media to expand your horizons to genuinely worthwhile television.
Ava Tafreshi is a sophomore at the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at atafreshi@cornellsun.com.
‘Are You Still Watching?’ is a column spotlighting what the Cornell community has been streaming. It runs every Wednesday.
