What a gem this Iranian three-handed drama is! Ali Jaberansari is a writer/director to watch.

The review I read likened this film to Aki Kaurismäki, which I admit made me book my ticket. It has Kaurismäki’s deadpan acting style and occasionally theatrical staging but it is much more grounded in realism.

Hessam (Amir Hessam Bakhtiari) is a former bodybuilding champion who works as a personal trainer at the gym. His days are monotonous, working with middle-aged clients and returning home to an elderly father. When a young aspiring bodybuilder seeks him out to get him ready for a championship, Hessam’s life seems brighter.

Mina (Forough Ghajabagli) is a receptionist at a beauty clinic, which gives her access to the personal details of the many beautiful men who come through the door. She pretends to be sexy voiced Sara, setting up meetings with them and then watching from a distance as they wait in vain.

Vahid (Mehdi Saki) is as morose as the songs and chants he leads at funerals. When a well-meaning friend arranges for him to sing at a wedding, he meets photographer Niloufar (Behnaz Jafari who was in one of my favourite Iranian films Sound and Fury (2016)) and his days have a purpose that transform him.

The common thread is the loneliness of people looking for love and connection in a big city. Each of them has an individuality that is a handicap in a conservative society that celebrates only beauty, success and conformity.

In the margins of the story we see the paths they are expected to tread, something that seems an impossibility. There are some beautiful moments – how Mina’s face and demeanour transform when she thinks she has found love, Vahid’ singing ‘Niloufar’ with joyful abandon.

Regardless of outcomes, we see that each has been irrevocably changed. And the ending is exquisite.

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Have you seen this film? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.