Zalava

.... namely non-Persians....: this movie threads its politics and nationalism very carefully. With a potential loss for the depth and intensity of the story, it does not engage Islam in any way too. The exorcist seems to have never heard of Quran: pretty surprising when compared to the ubiquitous Christian theme of priests-exorcists.

This well-written story, starting from the total denial of the demonic, slowly takes more pro-demon stance (but never decisively) by engaging the love of the main character, a gendarmerie sergeant, for a local doctor, who is a reluctant demon believer (of the kind: it does not harm to believe). Once more, Eve (Malilah) leads Adam (Massoud) astray.

In its approach to ghosts/demons, the movie reminded me about "Benedetta" by Paul Verhoeven: both films leave open the question whether demons exist or not.

A beautiful Iranian film capable of showing what is not there and creating tension with a simple glass jar. Difficult, once seen, to forget it. In a village in Kurdistan, just before the revolution, a young sceptical sergeant fights against the irrational beliefs of the local population. They believe that demons (the jinn of the Islamic religion) exist and take possession of men and women. In this case they have to be shot in the legs to draw out the blood and with it the demon. The sergeant tries to convince them that this does not exist, but the arrival of an exorcist (who in the eyes of the sergeant seems nothing more than a vulgar charlatan) sets the stage for an impending tragedy. Wonderful atmosphere, excellent pace, solid tension and a sharp reflection on the unhealthy power of faith and autosuggestion and how little reason can do in the face of these destructive forces. Not to be missed.

Before I saw the movie, I expected it to amaze me! After watching the movie, I realized that the story line was very disappointing. The actors did not sink into their roles as they should have. No fear was instilled in the viewer from the film, what was clear was that people are immersed in superstitions too much and it affects their lives and emotions. The atmosphere and environment were in line with the theme of the movie, and I didn't see any negative points from this point of view. On the other hand, using opinions and making movies based on this makes many things clear in the eyes of people. In general, the movie failed to impress me and I gave it 5 points, ignoring some things.

This movie was made in 2021. Fear is always associated with strange things and intangible events and issues. Fear of the beyond or things that cannot be seen and touched is one of the greatest experiences of fear for humans. Fear of things like demons or devils or things like that, which cinema has always benefited from and had good sales. Zalawa is also a kind of contrast between wisdom and ignorance. A fear that may come from ignorance and an intellect that is alone and must stand in front of an ignorant crowd. Zalava has good actors, but it is an ordinary film and nothing more. In fact, it cannot be said that Zalava is an attractive film, but the acting of the actors is acceptable and may bring the audience along.

I don't know why the score is so low. I watched it today at the NIFFF and it was BRILLIANT!

Never had so much tension because of a pickle jar! The acting is great, the editing is great, the stress is real! It's not so much a horror movie as there's no horror... what's horrible is how superstition leads to stupid actions.

If you like to open your mind on foreign cinema, this is it!