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Synopsis
Yazdah – A Gripping Thriller That Twists Reality with Emotion and Suspense
Film Hendi Yazdah – Doble Farsi فیلم هندی یازده دوبله فارسی – Watch on FilmeFarsi
twins leads a detective down a dark path of revenge and trauma.
In the realm of psychological thrillers, few films manage to balance raw emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension as skillfully as Yazdah (2024). Directed by the talented Amir Khosravi, and featuring standout performances from Navid Arman, Sara Hamedani, and Reza Kavoosi, Yazdah offers a haunting and deeply cerebral exploration of guilt, memory, and moral ambiguity.
Set against a muted urban backdrop in Tehran, the film unfolds like a puzzle that constantly shifts its pieces, challenging the audience to pay attention and stay emotionally invested. In a genre where clichés can often dominate, Yazdah breaks through with a fresh voice and narrative intelligence that places it among the most compelling thrillers of the year.
A Fragmented Memory and a Life Unraveled
Yazdah opens with Kian (Navid Arman), a former forensic psychologist who is now a recluse, living a quiet life in self-imposed isolation. Haunted by a mysterious event that occurred on 11 Mehr — a day that claimed the life of his wife and daughter — Kian is unable to remember what truly happened. His last memory of them is a fragmented dream, replaying endlessly in his mind like a broken reel of film.
The story gains momentum when a stranger, Niloufar (Sara Hamedani), shows up at his door, claiming to have information that could help Kian unlock the truth about that fateful day. Her presence sets off a chain of psychological spirals, red herrings, and unsettling revelations that blur the line between reality and delusion.
Direction and Screenplay: Precision in Chaos
Director Amir Khosravi, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Shahin Mehr, demonstrates an impressive control over pacing and atmosphere. The screenplay doesn’t just deliver a twisty plot; it builds a character-driven narrative that makes each revelation feel emotionally resonant. Khosravi employs a non-linear storytelling approach, fragmenting the timeline to mirror Kian’s broken memory, yet it never feels confusing. On the contrary, each scene adds a crucial layer of psychological depth.
Khosravi’s approach bears resemblance to the narrative intricacies of films like Memento or Shutter Island, but Yazdah maintains its own unique cultural and emotional tone, grounded in Iranian societal norms and expectations. This makes the story not only suspenseful but also socially poignant.
Performances That Resonate
At the heart of Yazdah is Navid Arman, whose portrayal of Kian is nothing short of gripping. His ability to project vulnerability, inner torment, and intelligence without overacting gives the film its emotional gravity. Arman’s performance is subtle and calculated, capturing the psychological complexity of a man on the brink of mental collapse.
Sara Hamedani brings a quiet strength to Niloufar — mysterious yet grounded — and her chemistry with Arman fuels the film’s emotional momentum. Meanwhile, Reza Kavoosi as Inspector Mazhari adds an unpredictable, almost antagonistic force that keeps the audience guessing whether he’s a villain or a mere truth-seeker with his own demons.
Cinematography and Technical Highlights
Cinematographer Farhad Pourkian paints Yazdah in shades of gray, cold blues, and washed-out greens, perfectly capturing the bleakness of Kian’s mental state. The lighting plays a crucial role in building tension — shadows creep into the frame at just the right moments, and tight close-ups build claustrophobia.
The film’s score, composed by Leila Noor, is minimal but haunting. It never overpowers the dialogue or emotions but subtly enhances the atmosphere — especially during key flashbacks or moments of psychological revelation.
Themes and Symbolism: A Story Beneath the Surface
Yazdah isn’t just about solving a mystery; it’s about the guilt we carry, the memories we suppress, and the truth we may never want to face. The date “11 Mehr” serves as a motif, not just a plot point. It symbolizes trauma, the weight of time, and how a single day can echo across a lifetime.
The film also explores themes of state surveillance, personal accountability, and mental health, subtly weaving them into the narrative without turning didactic. This depth gives Yazdah a timeless quality — it’s a thriller for both the heart and the mind.
Final Verdict
Yazdah is a masterclass in psychological storytelling. It grips you with its suspense and holds you with its emotional core. With strong direction, powerful performances, and a layered script, it proves that Iranian cinema continues to deliver globally resonant stories within local frameworks.
Whether you’re a fan of noir-tinged thrillers or intimate psychological dramas, Yazdah will leave you thinking long after the credits roll. It’s the kind of film that rewards repeat viewing, revealing new layers with each watch.
For fans of intense, emotionally charged thrillers, be sure to check out other titles in the thriller category on FilmeFarsi to discover more gripping cinematic experiences.
To learn more about Yazdah and how it’s being received by global audiences, check out its IMDb page (Note: add the direct link when available).
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