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Synopsis
Mosh Sheytan Sefat (2024) – A Wild Ride of Horror and Humor in Equal Measure
Film Mosh Sheytan Sefat – Doble Farsi فیلم موش شیطان صفت دوبله فارسی – Watch on FilmeFarsi
for survival in New York City when a mischievous mouse becomes a monstrous reality.
Blending horror with slapstick comedy is no easy task, but Mosh Sheytan Sefat (2024) pulls it off with wicked flair and chaotic energy. Directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Kian Mehrabi, the film marks a bold step in Iranian cinema’s evolving genre scene. With a cast led by the charismatic Ramin Kasraei, the enigmatic Shabnam Taheri, and comic genius Peyman Sohrabi, this film is an unpredictable rollercoaster ride that will have you both howling with laughter and gripping your seat in suspense.
A Genre-Bending Spectacle
From the very first scene, Mosh Sheytan Sefat establishes its tonal identity: dark, irreverent, and absolutely bonkers. Set in a sleepy mountain village where strange disappearances are common and superstition rules, the story follows Hamed (Ramin Kasraei), a failed musician who returns to his hometown to care for his aging aunt. But what begins as a sentimental homecoming quickly spirals into a surreal nightmare when he discovers that the villagers believe a demonic rat – yes, a rat – is behind the mysterious events.
The film’s title, which translates loosely as “The Rat with a Satanic Face,” is both a literal reference and a metaphor for the hidden evils lurking beneath society’s surface. Yet, instead of veering into melodramatic horror tropes, the movie embraces a comedy-horror hybrid structure, invoking the spirits of films like Shaun of the Dead and Evil Dead II while maintaining a distinct Persian cultural identity.
Strong Direction and Clever Writing
Kian Mehrabi shows impressive control over a volatile narrative. The script, co-written by Mehrabi and Roya Azimi, balances absurdity with satire, poking fun at rural superstitions, political corruption, and even influencer culture. The story never takes itself too seriously, but it also never descends into pointless parody.
What makes Mosh Sheytan Sefat stand out is how it uses its supernatural premise to comment on real societal fears—fear of change, fear of the unknown, and the fear of losing cultural heritage. These themes are subtly woven into the story, giving it surprising emotional depth beneath the blood and belly laughs.
Performances That Pop
Ramin Kasraei delivers a standout performance as Hamed, blending vulnerability with deadpan comedic timing. He is the reluctant hero we love to root for, especially as the world around him grows increasingly bizarre. Shabnam Taheri’s portrayal of Leyla, the mysterious local herbalist, adds an air of mysticism and grounded strength. Her chemistry with Kasraei brings an emotional anchor to the chaos.
However, it’s Peyman Sohrabi who steals the show as Saeed, Hamed’s childhood friend turned conspiracy theorist YouTuber. Sohrabi brings manic energy to every scene he’s in, and his exaggerated paranoia provides some of the film’s most hilarious moments.
Cinematography, Practical Effects, and Atmosphere
Visually, the film is striking. Cinematographer Ali Derakhshan captures the fog-drenched forests and dimly lit alleyways with a keen eye for gothic horror aesthetics. The film’s color grading leans into muted greens and sickly yellows, evoking a sense of decay that perfectly complements its central themes.
Special mention must be made of the practical effects. The demonic rat creature, created by Mehdi Aram FX Studios, is a grotesque masterpiece—equal parts terrifying and laughably surreal. The use of puppetry and makeup over CGI gives the creature a tangible presence that enhances the horror experience.
A Unique Horror-Comedy with Substance
What sets Mosh Sheytan Sefat apart from many in the horror-comedy genre is its commitment to cultural specificity. While the laughs and frights are universal, the story feels deeply rooted in Persian folklore and rural traditions. The film doesn’t try to imitate Western horror; instead, it confidently carves out its own identity, making it a standout entry in the global horror scene.
Critics on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes have noted its originality and praised its genre-blending boldness, calling it “a Persian horror-comedy that bites hard and laughs harder.”
Final Verdict
Mosh Sheytan Sefat is not for the faint of heart—or for those who demand rigid genre boundaries. It’s a chaotic, genre-defying ride that isn’t afraid to get weird, gross, or politically incorrect. But beneath the madness lies a smart, well-crafted story with memorable characters and sharp social critique.
If you’re looking for something offbeat that merges horror and comedy in ways you’ve never seen before, this is a must-watch. It’s a testament to how far Iranian genre cinema has come and a clear sign that filmmakers like Kian Mehrabi are ready to take bold creative risks.
For more weird and wonderful horror films like Mosh Sheytan Sefat, don’t miss our curated collection of horror films and comedy favorites at FilmeFarsi.com.
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