Out of a few selected Iranian movies that I’ve watched so far, I cannot decide which one is better than the other. Like twins, almost identical except for a few differences, but that too only to be identified by the parents or the closest ones. That’s it, folks, take a bow before Beyond the Wall; a 2 hours+ Iranian drama featuring a few characters and almost entirely inside of a shabby apartment.
Thematically, I feel like the movie is all about the struggle between conscience and duties the central character adheres to— however, like most Persian films, the twist and melancholic melodrama will keep your attention pinpointed to the screen until the end screen pops up.
I believe movies reflect the mass socio-cultural context if any country— if not entirely, it is uncommon not to have a hint of what goes around the people and existing cultural practices. In that context, Iranian movies that I have seen so far are largely based on the isolated tormentation of the human psyche circled around family, society, and the justice system. A common scenario observed in less-crowded harsh deserts around the world. While it establishes a connection between the actual settings and adaptation, the characters seem to be natural in the habitat— as if we are watching them in reality before our eyes. That is one of the reasons I like Persian dramas so much.
Well, about the story, it’s kind of reversed; like Death Race movie, the 1st part depicts the ending while the 3rd part initiates the story. Beyond the Wall is not exactly that but it is ornamented with frequent flashbacks that confuse sometimes but eventually, bind the loose ends. In the opening scene, a blind man in his torn-apart apartment struggles to deal with his life all alone.
But things escalate when a woman persuaded by the police takes shelter and Ali, the blind resident somehow detects her presence but tries to hide her from others. That’s what you will see the rest of the movie, but I assure you that you won’t be bored despite seeing the same setting and characters interacting with each other over and over again. We do have a twist at the end that forfeits all the assumptions and predictions of what’s about to happen, I am leaving that part for you to watch yourself.
A spoiler, yet, it’s not.
Primarily, I’m impressed with its monochromic tone yet so vibrant plot. Seems very natural, desert painted in faint tension, the apartment is quite dark highlights a lonesome vibe, ordinary but contextually matched outfits, conversation in lower tones, and whatnot. Kudos to the brain behind the production. It’s fascinating how a movie can entertain you even without philosophical verbose, hardcore actions, nudity, or dazzling outfits— movies these days are mostly representing them; in one way or another.
Indeed, it was a nice evening with my eyes glued to the screen. But I was sceptical in the first place and postponed the schedule, which is quite rare when I have movies available on the list. Although it has IMDb 7 rating, I would love to see more.
Catch you later :)
