Lesbian Film Review: Circumstance

Circumstance is an intense and powerful film about two teenage girls in Tehran, Iran. Shireen played by the ridiculously beautiful Sarah Kazemy, and Atafeh played expertly by Nikohl Boosheri are teenagers in love. On the outside their friendship is exceptionally close but the physical aspects of the relationship are kept behind closed doors, as is much of their life.

Atafeh belongs to a wealthy, liberal family. Shireen is an orphan of sorts, living with her aunt because both of her parents were killed for opposing the revolution. Atafeh and Shireen are at times your typical rebellious teens involved in drinking, drugs, illicit parties, sex and Western music and films. However, never do you forget that they are in Iran where every aspect of their lives is controlled by the state.

From what they wear, to how they behave, every character is under the thumb of surveillance. Shireen and Atafeh are literally being watched by Atafeh's older brother Mehran. He is a born again religious fundamentalist who will go to any lengths to preserve his forming ideals of morality.

Where I believe this film excels is in the honesty of the circumstances of a teenage, homosexual life in Iran; it just isn't allowed. The film itself had to be filmed outside of Iran, in Lebanon. The filming was under threat of being shut down and all of the actors and filmmakers had to come to terms with being exiled from Iran simply for participating in this project.

The acting is also exceptionally strong. There is so much that each character says by not saying anything or saying little. There is an inner dialogue that comes across beautifully through single glances or a hard stare. In a world where it is not safe to openly and honestly express your feelings, much of what is said to each other never gets spoken aloud.

Where this film lacks however seems to be in the connection between Shireen and Atafeh. Never did I  doubt that they are close friends, but the intense, scary and new feelings that are present in any teenage romance are missing. There seems to be no danger within the relationship itself, only in the circumstances surrounding the relationship. As a result the sexual content feels put on, or practiced. When they talk about running away to Dubai I never believe for a second that their hearts are in it together. The outside circumstances that control their relationship are the focus and well understood by the end of the film. Although I wished for more from the individual characters, this film does a great job in giving us an honest glimpse into the life of an Iranian teen.