Flawless performances, meticulous construction, elegant visuals — The Salesman comes close to greatness, but seems unaware of its participation in social problems it critiques.
In the end, Farhadi is able to blend plot, pace and atmosphere into a compelling drama that illustrates how you can never entirely know the person you love.
A thought-provoking relationship drama that lingers long after the credits roll.
In Farhadi’s universe, ambiguity reigns. The villains turn out to be vulnerable and strangely sympathetic while the heroes are capable of extraordinary viciousness.
Though some of the plotting feels a little contrived, there’s a formal elegance to the way Farhadi presents all this ensuring it’s never less than absorbing.
The Salesman is an atmospheric, perfectly judged examination of paranoia, powerlessness and fractured relationships.
The Salesman shows Farhadi’s ideas are in danger of becoming mannerisms, though it is a potent, disquieting piece of work.
This Iranian domestic drama from the director of A Separation lays its symbolism on with a trowel – but it works.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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