Circumstance

Coming from Iran, CIRCUMSTANCE is a supposedly ballsy film about sexuality. Considering the volatile filmic Iranian situation, any film that contains a subject matter--lesbianism--that even American audiences would find offputting, coming from Iran, would receive immediate praise for simply being about such things. CIRCUMSTANCE uses a wealthy Iranian teenager, Atafeh, to get its point across. Considering her access to money, Atafeh is prominently part of the night scene in Iran. The burkah's come off when you go indoors, apparently, and a night scene pretty typical of any teenage demographic unfurls. But the novelty of that revelation quickly subsides, and Atafeh's life is seen to be one of constant juggling: between the obvious progression that Iran will have to undergo with the ascension of the youth coupled with the still-persisting demands of the blindly-respected elders. Also present is the lesbianism, or perhaps just the explorative sexuality of Atafeh, especially manifested within her relationship with her best friend. But despite all of CIRCUMSTANCE's quasi-revelations, the film is obnoxiously drenched in saturated colors, and choppy, uncoordinated and occasionally jarring editing. Furthermore, all of the established themes seem to be driven into the ground by ridiculous conceits, ending up in contrived locations that feel forced and "we told you Iran was this way!" tonality. It's a poorly made film, especially for the kind of subject that's trying to come through. Further, all of Atafeh's partying, etc. come from a wanton sensibility towards teenagers, and this forces all of her actions into generality rather than specifically-incensed defiance.

★★