Critical Zone: A look at the shadow world of Tehran full of melancholy

Critical Zone: A look at the shadow world of Tehran full of melancholy

In the fascinating world of Tehran, the dark story of the drug dealer Amir unfolds in the award -winning film "Critical Zone" by Ali Ahmadzadeh. The film, which won the Golden Leopard in Locarno in 2023, takes the audience on a silent but haunting journey through the nightly streets of the Iranian capital. Here, where the silence is only interrupted by the monotonous noise of a navigation device, a narrative unfolds that manages with minimal dialogues and yet deeply touched.

Amir's night trips are more than just one way from A to B; They are a metaphor for isolation and being a gear in a world that often remains in the shade. The camera follows him in his car as he meets encounters that are fleeting and yet meaningful. One of the most impressive scenes shows a small ambulance that drives through a tunnel, accompanied by a depressing sound - a picture that perfectly captures the oppressive atmosphere of the film.

A look at the abysses of society

Ahmadzadeh skilfully changes between moments of melancholy and feverish intoxication, while he reflects life away from social norms. The characters that Amir meet are as diverse as life itself - from acquaintances to strangers in need. A touching scene in a retirement home in which hash cookies are distributed shows humanity in the middle of the unrest of the night and gives the audience a moment of reflection.

"Critical Zone" is not just a film, but a reflection of a society in change. According to the protests in Iran listed by women, he addresses the questions and doubts of a nation that is in a profound change. The film is prohibited in the Islamic Republic, and Ahmadzadeh was not even allowed to travel to the award ceremony. In the end, the audience remains with more questions than answers - an urgent art film that makes the soul of a society tangible.