Holy Spider (2022) Movie Script
1
EVERY MAN FINALLY MEEWHAT HE IS LOOKING TO AVOID
IMAM ALI NAHJ AL BALAGHA - SERMON 149
I go.
I'll be back before you wake up.
Get away, asshole!
United Airlines Flight 175 crashed
the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:02.
This is not an accident.
BEST SAFFRON EXPORTER 1999
I will smash you! Its good !
I will tear you apart!
What do you do ? Go outside.
I see you more.
You have to pay me.
I say.
I still make a few passes.
Where is Sogra?
- On the square.
I am lacking.
You're welcome.
I go to the square.
Keep your eyes wide open.
It's the cops, get down.
Still.
Do not move.
Let go of me.
Let go of me. - Stay here.
Here.
That's all ? - You stopped.
What ? - I didn't come.
Are you kidding me ? - Clear.
Come.
Show your money.
Cover yourself with this.
The neighbors are curious.
It's dark, you can't see anything.
I tell you to cover yourself.
This way.
What are you waiting for?
Come.
Take it easy, don't make a sound.
Go on.
Listen, I don't feel it tonight.
I'll go.
Come.
I have to go.
- Come, I tell you.
I'm off, I don't want to.
I have a kid.
THE NIGHTS OF MASHHAD
We hear about this
killer spider all the time.
We dare not leave our homes.
I don't understand all this violence.
And you saw this dryness?
Not a cloud in the
sky, not a drop of rain.
Are you there on a pilgrimage?
Yes.
Arezoo Rahimi...
Are you from Mashhad? - Yes.
You live here ?
Why would I come to the hotel?
A room for you? - Yes.
All alone ? - Yes that's it.
A moment.
She booked a room alone.
She is not married. What do I do ?
Sorry, we must have had a problem
with the system.
We are full tonight.
I have a reservation.
I know well.
You decided to bother me.
I am a journalist, here is my card.
Let me look.
A moment.
Its good.
The problem is solved ? - Yes.
Suddenly.
Cover your hair.
It doesn't concern you.
It can cause us...
- Do your job.
They won't bother you.
Hurry up.
People are scared, they are on edge.
He's been wanted for months.
It's not Einstein, after all.
There must be clues, evidence.
He's not some assassin.
- How do you know ?
His name is. - Who is that ?
The type.
Are you kidding me ?
No.
He calls me after every murder.
He is calling you ? Why you ?
I don't know. He must
know that I cover the crimes,
he wants to be in the newspaper.
What did he say to you the last time?
He told me where the body was.
He was furious.
He says he's not an assassin,
that he makes jihad against vice.
What tone is he on the phone? Exalted?
It depends.
Sometimes he's in good shape,
almost friendly.
We would forget the object of his call.
Other times he is very aggressive.
Why did you never say that?
You don't say anything either.
Don't put that in your paper.
- Why ?
It's not just any file.
Religious subjects should be avoided.
- Why ?
It comes from above.
- So what ?
We are in Mashhad.
There are precautions to take.
You weren't scared before.
It's to keep you out of trouble.
I won't have any trouble. I do my job.
And of course, you
didn't record his voice?
You did it ?
Write down what I'm going to tell you.
Do you note? - Yes.
Quchan Old Road,
near the roundabout.
Go pick it up before it stinks.
Where are you ?
- It's none of your business, son of a bitch!
I will eliminate them one by one.
I'm not going to stop.
It's ready.
Saeed?
The cement is ready.
It's ready ?
9 VICTIMS - WHO IS THE SPIDER KILLER?
Is it your stomach again?
Yes. - You're too nervous.
Saeed...
Where is Ali?
At the mosque, for prayer.
Saeed, my father called.
He invites us to dinner on Friday.
I said you might be busy.
My parents complain that they don't see you enough.
They say you never come.
Alright, I'll take care of it.
- Let's go ?
So much the better.
Dad, we were supposed to play together.
I'm tired. - You promised me.
Again. - Go on...
Come on my knees.
My princess.
Pilgrims stay in Mashhad
time to visit the mausoleum.
Peace be with you,
our Imam Reza.
Why do you think these murders
accelerated for 2 months?
It may be a coincidence.
Unrelated matters.
They are all signed by the spider.
You are well informed.
- For you,
it is an individual act
or maybe organized?
It is believed to be a clever
and well-prepared individual.
But no leads should be ruled out.
For instance ?
- Listen, Miss Rahimi...
criminals, however
clever, make mistakes.
This is the golden rule of criminology.
At the slightest misstep, we will have it.
If he doesn't misstep?
Just be patient.
I don't want to criticize you,
but how come
you didn't find any clues?
Where do you think you are?
Here, it's the police and
I'm in charge of this case.
Your coverage is biased from the start.
You show us as incapable.
We change places, if you want.
Take my stripes.
Tehran puts me under pressure.
- I say.
Everyone agrees:
the governor, the deputies, the prefect.
You think it's easy?
Hold.
Red Marlboro.
You are a smoker. - Occasional.
All occasions are good.
Could I take a look at the files?
And There you go.
We slack off and you seek to take advantage of it.
To profit from ? Without your approval,
I will not post any details.
We can meet again to talk about it.
"The procrastination of the
authorities and
their inability to adopt
an effective strategy
raise questions."
Noted.
"Meanwhile, the frequency
of killings is not decreasing."
It's a bit dry, isn't it?
The ending isn't terrible.
- It's true.
More crispy. - For instance:
"Meanwhile, the spider..."
Yes.
"Shadow of the Spider Killer
extends over Mashhad."
"...spreads over Mashhad."
It rocks.
It rocks. - That's great.
Come on, dad, go.
Go ahead.
Behave yourself.
Great.
Hang on.
Above all, you don't say anything to your mother.
I almost fell.
The Khinearab road,
between kilometers 10 and 15.
OK.
Stop writing this crap.
- Which ones?
I clean the streets for Imam Reza.
- That's enough.
It's not over.
What is your name ?
Are you going to continue for a long time?
As much as it takes.
I defend the blood of martyrs.
People like you...
- Shut up!
Did they find any common
ground between these murders?
Yes, he has a signature.
He strangles them with their
scarf and ties a double knot.
For the 10?
- Yes, according to the medical examiner.
At least he's talking to you.
Me, he doesn't answer me.
He's a friend.
DNA tests, fingerprints,
your friends don't know?
The lab in Tehran did some
DNA testing, but
they're newbies.
And then you need a suspect.
Without a suspect, we can't do anything.
The guy kills 10 women using the same method,
he drops them in the same
area and we can't find him?
He's one of them. He is protected.
How would my personal
opinion help you?
Some believe that it is not a
question of simple murders.
That's to say ?
- We say that...
this person would follow a fatwa.
Know that this is not our opinion.
No misunderstanding.
I know why you are here.
I know why you wear that chador,
Miss Rahimi.
No need to pretend.
I know you don't like religious people.
You think we're plotting behind the scenes.
You think the regime
is corrupt, wrongly.
In the eyes of God, all life is sacred.
Don't you think these women deserve to die?
Certainly not.
It is a social problem.
If you're not poor and destitute,
you don't sell your body.
The government has a duty
to take care of the citizens.
There is no fatwa, but
know in any case that
the fatwa is a religious
opinion, not an order.
Thank you for that clarification, Judge.
You're welcome.
Could we access
in the files?
The police agreed to release the information.
Why is this topic of interest to you, Miss Rahimi?
It is my job.
Your job is to inform.
Not to instill fear
or hysteria within society.
We don't create it.
Society lives in fear.
I don't allow you to
create a controversy.
You are a scandal woman,
watch your behavior.
Especially in the holy city of Mashhad.
Thank you, Judge.
May Allah bless you.
I have to go see the girls.
They must have seen it.
But they don't speak easily.
You can't trust them.
They're clueless drug addicts,
they lie as they breathe.
If the cops were smart,
they'd pay a girl
to do the bait.
Great collaboration between cops and whores.
You have some good ones!
What is this story
you had in Tehran?
There were rumors
about you and the editor.
You were fooling around together.
Fricot?
For all my articles, he
kept me after office hours.
He invited me to his home, to his room.
I reported him, they fired me.
You call that fricking?
They harass me and I make myself look bad?
I meant no harm.
Sharifi, the damage is done.
You know me, anyway.
There are too many people. I go back to the hotel.
I come with you. - Nope.
I didn't want to hurt you.
God is great.
- We were supposed to play.
We don't play during prayer.
- Whether.
Naughty,
you come to annoy me during my prayer?
Careful, don't move. Otherwise, I tickle you.
Watch out for tickles.
This guy has killed how many women?
It says 10.
The police are on his trail.
They will arrest him.
I forbade my daughters
to go out at night.
Apparently he only
goes after corrupt women.
You never know. No one is immune.
They say it's an organized gang.
If you knew, Ali.
There was a rain of bullets
and your father was running in all
directions as if nothing had happened!
Running in the middle of a war?
I was still not stupid.
You must be confused.
Thanks a lot. - You're welcome.
You're okay ? - Thanks to God.
Khadijeh, bring the sugar.
You're not coming
to see us at veterans.
I'll bring it to you, Haji.
Hold.
I know you better than my children.
There is something wrong.
You've lost weight, you're nervous.
Isn't it a woman's story?
Stop. Stop, I tell you!
It's okay, calm down, we're talking.
You call that discussing?
Why are you telling me this ?
I told Fatima you
weren't the fickle type.
What is your problem, then?
You can tell me about it, you know.
What's bothering you?
Nothing at all.
The job, the worries.
I turn around.
I wanted to do something...
God didn't make me to be
a simple mason.
I wanted so badly that
the war would never end.
There were martyrs,
disappeared, mutilated,
some whose mothers
received only the bones.
And me ?
Did I deserve any of this?
We can't all be martyred.
It's not us who
decide, it's God.
We have to live our lives,
take care of our families.
They are there for nothing.
You know what ?
You're gonna drop
me off, pick up the
car, and take your
family on a trip. OK ?
I can go to the bathroom ?
This is reserved for customers.
Please.
A Fanta.
Miss, how are you?
Do you want a sandwich ?
Have no manners.
What's your name ?
Soghra.
Aren't you scared at night, in the street?
Enough to ?
Of the killer.
Have you ever seen it, you or your girlfriends?
Did you see a shady guy?
They are all dodgy.
Do you take something?
Are you a cameo?
Are you in front of this hotel every night?
Thanks. - Soghra...
Go away !
Clear !
Get out, I tell you!
Yes it's good.
We make a small bridge to his father?
Send.
Go ahead!
We should come more often.
Sure. - It's good for children.
My only goal is for you to live in peace.
I know well. - Yes ?
Why are you laughing ?
You say that when...
Sorry, dad.
Come see. Come.
Excuse me...
- Come here!
Father ? - Saeed?
Come here, where are you going?
Come see !
Dad...
- Saeed!
Stop, I tell you! - Father !
What's the matter with you ?
What are you doing ? Stay here.
Ali, see what you did?
What's the matter ?
Show me, darling.
What's wrong ?
What is happening ?
Sorry, dad.
Get up, it's embarrassing in public.
Come on, get up, we're going to your sisters.
For once we had to have fun,
you're screwing everything up.
It's nothing, son.
Thin ! - What ?
I forgot to leave the gear with Gholam.
So what ?
- It starts very early tomorrow.
So ? Do you have to go now?
Yes, I will be calmer.
Can't you go later? - Nope.
Excuse me to your parents.
I'll come tomorrow.
After lunch ? - Yes.
Come down, children.
Fatima...
Honey, look at me...
- Get down.
Why do you take it badly?
I'll pick you up tomorrow.
Why are you so shy?
Can I eat an apple?
Sure,
make yourself at home.
You're feeling good ?
Aren't you sick?
It's hot in here.
I will open the window.
Sorry, my God.
Fatima?
Can you take out the trash?
- OK.
Are you back?
I forgot the pickles for my parents.
They wanted it.
Where are the children?
- They stayed there.
What is happening ?
A leak. I have to tell
Ahmad to come and fix it.
Still ? He fixed it the other day.
- I do not know...
Don't roll the carpet, it damages it.
I'm taking care of it.
Can you warm me something?
Did you eat anything?
- No, I'm starving.
You understood me. And
as always, you helped me
to fulfill my desires.
I know your desires well.
Did you notice anything?
What ?
Looked.
I changed my hairstyle.
Look at my curls.
I went today with mom.
Was it expensive?
It's pretty.
- You speak, you had seen nothing.
My darling...
Saeed? - Yes ?
Marzieh said that one evening when I
was with the children at my parents' house,
she saw you come into
the house with a woman.
Marzieh made a mistake.
How can she be wrong
seeing you ten meters away?
Fatima, you know me.
There is no other woman.
Saeed?
Are you tired of me?
Bored?
Mr. Sharifi...
- Hello.
You brought your guest. - Yes.
You will say more that we are blocking,
Miss Rahimi.
There is nothing to see!
You mash the tomatoes.
Let them pass.
Step away from the body.
Step aside.
It's a crime scene. Get away.
Don't come any closer, lady.
Breathe.
Step away from the body.
Don't stay there.
Why did he throw it there, that bastard?
Who will want our tomatoes?
Step aside.
Move on, there's nothing to see.
Bring some sweet tea for this lady.
Breathe.
Thanks.
Drop this matter.
It's a bottomless pit.
Think about your health, your safety.
Good evening.
Hello. - Hello.
I come to hear from you.
I'm ok thanks.
I would like to talk to you. I can enter ?
Are you okay here?
How are you.
- For a short stay.
Sit down.
Thank you I'm okay.
Do you smoke with me?
Thanks for letting me come this morning.
I told Sharifi it
didn't suit a woman.
I was shocked, I had seen this girl before.
They are all the same.
Cameo trails.
Besides, this one was pregnant.
She had a big belly.
It's unbelievable.
Being knocked up and lying right to left.
Come on, I'm not here for work.
Sorry, but I'm tired.
If you have finished...
Don't be fooled by my uniform.
I look tough, but I'm soft.
I can show you around Mashhad,
take you out for dinner alone.
I told you I was tired.
I ask you to leave.
Go, I tell you.
What if I don't want to?
What are you going to do ?
Call the cops?
At the newspaper too, you were
fired because you made your tease?
You're not worth it.
You're one of those girls
who smokes with all the guys.
One of those.
Yes.
Dad, look what I found.
- What ?
Show me.
It's a waste.
It had to be put in the trash.
You're right, I should have.
It was fun throwing it away.
I did like children.
Dad threw an apple out the window.
Why did you do that ?
You set a good example.
The taxi is coming, are you ready?
- Yes.
I want to throw an apple too.
- But no.
Dad did something
stupid, don't do like him.
Here we go, honey.
Grandma is waiting for us.
It must be over there.
Are you sure ? This neighborhood sucks.
I call you.
Little...
Hello how are you ?
Do you know Zari? - The low.
Hello.
Are you Zari?
- What do you want ?
I want to talk to you,
about Soghra.
Who is that ? - Your daughter.
I don't know Soghra.
Clear ! What do you want ?
I don't know Soghra! Go away !
Which Soghra?
What Soghra are you talking about?
Which Soghra do you
want to talk to me about?
It was he who took Somayeh.
I am sure.
Rasul saw him pick her up on his motorcycle.
Who is Rasul?
A city employee.
He works locally.
He saw her face? - From afar.
But for my Soghra, I don't know.
I told him to avoid bikers.
Usually she listened to me.
Where was she waiting this time?
As per usual.
Near Laleh Square.
Did you tell that to the police?
Did you see me, princess?
I smoke 6g of opium a day.
I don't talk to the cops.
I can come with you.
Are you crazy?
He cleans them up.
They won't stop him.
I saw it four or five times.
He was riding a motorbike,
he watched all around.
Where did he take Somayeh?
Right in front.
Soghra also left with him?
Is it for the police?
I am journalist.
I got in trouble with the police.
I want to be quiet now.
It seems that he comes
on Thursday evenings
and that he looks
like a fundamentalist.
It matches.
Yes, but be careful.
The road is next to the highway.
It's easy to throw the bodies there.
He must live around here.
I do not think so. I call the cops.
I don't trust them.
What ? You have to call them.
I don't trust it, I tell you.
- Why ?
Even you, I barely trust you.
Your idea is stupid.
I'm stubborn, you know. Are you helping me or not?
I tell you you're a coward.
You ride ?
To go up ? On your donkey?
Clear.
I've seen you before. It's a sign.
The sign that you have to go home and jerk off.
I have a nice house,
food, even opium.
Show your money.
Behave yourself.
You put some time.
It's my kitty hanging out.
- Come on, get out.
She doesn't like being yelled at.
Cover yourself.
I like you. - Do not touch me.
Won't you start?
The counter is spinning.
Show me how you take care of my kitty.
What about opium?
Was it bullshit?
But no.
Eh ?
I'll prepare it for you, I'm coming.
It's coming.
Is that what you like?
Your beard...
Bitch!
Do not touch me. - What ?
I'm going to the bathroom.
Go ahead.
It's up to you to sing.
My God, help me.
Come !
What do you do ?
Come into my arms.
So ?
Are you kidding anymore?
Laugh.
Go ahead.
Laugh.
Miss Rahimi. - Stay away.
Let's go. It's getting late.
You can't go to the crane foot
every evening.
He won't come.
He will come, I'm sure.
Any news from the killer spider?
I do not know. Look in the newspapers.
Serve yourself.
- Hello, Fatima.
You are falling.
I am boosted by stepmother.
I even made your favorite dish.
Come to dinner, children.
Zahra, come to dinner. It's gonna be cold.
I need salad
at each meal.
What's in your hand, Saeed?
I did not see.
A pickaxe at work.
You must have hurt yourself.
I was breaking bricks.
My guys weren't paying attention.
But it's my fault.
We wonder where your head is.
Help yourself, it will cool.
I serve you ?
You exaggerate.
Just call us
every 36th of the month.
Sorry, Mom, I'm overwhelmed.
And your father ? And his diabetes?
If I call more often, does that cure him?
Make fun of me.
You will see when you are a mother.
Did you get your tattoo done?
Arezoo, do you smoke?
Don't make your eyebrows too thick.
Don't change the subject.
Have you thought about your asthma?
you always run
after the Mashhad killer?
- Yes.
You don't tell yourself
that we are getting a blood of ink?
It's okay, I'm not a beginner.
You always say that.
Whore !
Come on, get on.
Clear.
What are you waiting for ?
Bustling.
Do you have money?
- Of course, get on.
Behave yourself.
Bastard!
Where did he go? Asshole!
Between.
Someone can always
arrive at a sensitive time.
Make yourself at home.
The ? - Where you want.
In the dark ?
You're right, it's not good, in the dark.
Here is light.
Move in.
Tea, fruit?
Do you want tea or fruit?
Where is the bathroom ?
To the right.
What's your name ?
Zahra.
Are you from Mashhad? - Yes.
Which side ?
- Does it concern you?
You're lying, you're not from around.
What is your job ?
- Am I asking you any questions?
I am a mason.
Is it your first time?
You look like a beginner.
What do you have in your hand?
- Nothing.
Just a hit.
What do you do ? - I'm playing.
What do you do ? Let go of me !
I'm not alone.
- You are scared ?
Open the door. - Calm down.
Open, I tell you! - OK.
Quick ! - OK.
Bustling. - Yes.
Pushes you. - OK.
Help ! - A sort of...
Bitch, are you pulling a knife?
Dirty bitch! - Help !
Dirty bitch!
If you come any closer, I'll kill you!
Help ! - Stop screaming !
Help me !
Step back.
- Please don't shout.
Don't shout, I have a family.
Open the toilet.
- Okay, but don't shout.
Step back. - OK.
Go lock yourself in the toilet.
OK.
Hurl or I'll scream louder.
Don't shout!
Close the door ! Help !
Saeed? - You make noise.
Go see who it is, Saeed.
Yes ?
I'm coming.
Who is it ?
- The police, I'll see.
The police ? To do what ?
Surely for Ali.
Him and his football... I'm coming with you.
No, I need two seconds.
Yes ? - Mr. Azimi?
It's me. - Saeed Azimi?
Yes. - Do you live there?
Yes.
Accompany us to the station.
What are you watching ?
I know why you are here.
Come, then.
- I am wearing my pyjamas.
Let's go.
The neighbors are watching us.
Father ?
Go home, I'll be right back.
But where are you going?
Why are they taking him?
I thank the police
forces for their constant
efforts which enabled
the arrest of this criminal.
It's good, they
recognize your merits.
You become a celebrity.
It's not over.
I thank the media
for their presence.
They can't let him go.
His file is too heavy.
They will find a way.
Those who seek to disturb security
of the holy city will be punished.
Do you still believe in conspiracies?
How is he doing ?
Good. He's coming back very soon.
Who did he fight with?
He didn't fight, darling.
Your father eliminated
corrupt women.
Don't worry, my son.
God protects us.
Will he be released? - Sure.
He didn't do anything wrong.
What were these women doing?
Sorry, my God.
They were bad women,
worthless bitches.
They were hanging
out in the streets
and selling drugs
to young people.
They deserved it.
Your father has clean hands.
Say hello to Abbas.
How many ? - Nothing at all.
But if.
You look sad, big guy.
How are you, your father?
He is in prison.
Keep your head up.
Say hello to your mother.
Tell him to come and help himself here.
Thanks a lot.
Some fruit...
It's nothing,
next to what we owe your father.
Tell your mother to come
and take whatever she wants.
Thanks. - Be well.
Goodbye.
I felt responsible for the
moral cleansing of the city.
What did you know of the
moral corruption of the victims?
It was evident.
What proof did you have?
You don't have to be a genius
to recognize a
whore in the street.
Watch your language, Mr. Azimi.
No vulgarity within
this sacred tribunal.
Vulgarity is these women
in front of the mausoleum
offering their services with impunity.
Do you recognize the 17 murders?
16, Mr. Justice.
Who killed the 17th victim?
A sissy.
Otherwise, he would have assumed!
Silence !
Silence !
Where were you when
your wife was murdered?
In jail, Mr. Judge.
For what offence?
- Drug traffic.
people came
to try to convince
us to forgive him.
We were even offered money.
You didn't accept?
You don't forgive a killer.
Why weren't you on trial?
We wanted to come...
We don't want to prolong
this affair, you understand?
You can be a civil party.
So what ?
To go and say in public that
our daughter was a prostitute?
That she was on drugs?
- We don't want...
Good if she's dead. Good riddance.
With the life she had chosen,
she didn't deserve better.
- Stop a little.
The little one will hear you.
So what ?
I tell the truth.
Excuse her, she's out of control.
She cries day and night.
If you had the choice, would you
opt for execution
or compensation?
If we execute him, it won't give me back my daughter.
I find myself alone, handicapped,
to have to feed
this poor little girl.
I don't want her to
end up like her mother.
It was the apple of my eye.
I raised her as best I could.
You see ? I told you.
They will buy their forgiveness.
They are poor people.
They would do anything for money.
Do you still think I'm paranoid?
Where do you think this money comes from?
What's the verdict, master?
Listen, Mrs. Azimi,
this dossier has a political charge.
The government wants to shut it down
before the elections.
Things are accelerating.
It's not possible.
People support him.
He is very popular.
My dad has a lot of supporters.
Well, that's why I'm considering
pleading mental instability.
It's his only chance.
- What's this ?
That would mean he
wasn't in his normal state.
My father is not crazy.
Shut up or get out.
Haji, it's too much, it bothers me.
It's nothing.
It's from veterans.
God bless them.
Everything will be fine.
How are you doing?
I never thought Saeed
would do such a thing.
Why did he play the vigilante?
Don't worry.
We started a petition.
Ali, wait, I'm coming.
People are against his conviction.
But Haji, I think...
the judge doesn't care about any of that.
He must take into
account the popular verdict.
Here it is different.
His file became political.
We are taking care of it.
His friends support him.
I do not know.
Take care of your children.
Ali, you watch over your
mother and your sisters.
Between 1981
and 1988 he fought on the front
for 623 days.
This of course triggered
post-traumatic stress.
My client has a
psychiatric history.
Does the accused acknowledge these facts?
The medical record is indisputable.
The court will take that into account.
I told you.
Accused, stand up and speak out
about your mental health issues.
In the name of the martyrs,
if the papers say so,
I have nothing to add.
Yes,
I'm crazy.
Crazy about the eighth imam.
Fool of Imam Reza.
- Mr. Azimi...
Mad about rooting out corruption.
This court is not a place of preaching.
Do I look crazy?
Do you think I'm crazy?
Respond or you will be expelled.
If fulfilling one's duty is to be mad...
Get him out. - I'm crazy.
I want to clean up the world.
It's good, this madness.
I'm crazy.
Crazy for God.
We're proud of you.
We had agreed.
Your lawyer explains
everything to you and
you, you say something
else at the trial?
Don't say that, Fatima.
I'm not crazy, you know.
Do you think I am?
I don't want my defenders
to think I'm crazy.
Who are your defenders?
Street people, all those guys.
Stopped !
I can't hear that anymore.
Listen...
Look at me.
Look at me.
I will be out very soon.
- It's what you say.
It will be very soon.
Go find the little ones.
Send me Ali, I want to talk to him.
Why are you whining?
Don't put your finger in your nose,
who taught you these manners?
You laugh ?
- You taught them to me.
How's high school?
I don't go there anymore.
- What ?
Why ?
I fought.
Why ?
A boy told me my
father was a killer.
Everyone can have their opinions.
Most people love you, I can see that.
I did nothing wrong.
I did this for God.
My hands are clean.
What were you doing to them?
It's not for children.
You said I was a man!
And you believed me?
Tell me what you did to them.
I picked them up on the street.
I brought them home.
I knocked them down.
I strangle them with my hands.
They weren't struggling?
Of course yes. And how.
Don't you know your father?
Thank you very much for having us
in this difficult time.
I'm listening to you.
How did you react when you learned
that your husband was the spider killer?
I felt very bad.
I was shocked, I never
thought Saeed could do that.
Has his behavior changed?
lately ? - No way.
He was as always.
No change.
He worked, took care of his family.
I couldn't suspect anything.
If these women
were pure, they would
not drive out other
people's husbands.
I am one of them.
Your husband brought me to your house.
You had no right to
walk the pavement,
to encourage my husband to do his duty.
Your husband had a
duty to clean up the town?
He was at the front, there
was a martyr in his family.
He sees these women
in this holy city,
with their chewing gum, their short jacket.
Sorry, that's not normal.
That's not the topic...
Can we talk to Ali?
Sure. Ali adores his father.
Based on the confessions
of the accused, Saeed Azimi,
on the reconstitution of the crimes,
on the testimony
by Arezoo Rahimi,
and pursuant to Articles 286,
383, 621 and 618 of the Islamic penal code,
I ask the court to
pronounce its verdict.
The accused is called
upon to speak one last time.
In the name of God, the merciful.
"Let him bring justice
and eliminate injustice, with
all due respect to the unjust."
I read it in Persian
so that everyone understands this prayer.
Saeed Azimi is innocent!
Did you see the crowd?
They will all return to their lives
and we will remain with our misfortune.
Free Saeed Azimi!
Sit down, Mr. Azimi.
Thank you my brother.
So, Miss Rahimi, you got
me good with your makeup.
This is Mr. Sharifi from the Khorasan newspaper.
Is that you Sharifi?
I know your voice well.
I am well surrounded.
Have you ever felt remorse?
No way. I have done my duty.
If I have any regrets...
is not being able to finish it.
Wasn't 16 enough?
17, almost...
I had spotted about 200 women
around the mausoleum.
Lately, if I didn't kill
them, I couldn't fall asleep.
You felt nothing at the time of the crime?
No.
You didn't feel pleasure
when you were about to kill me?
The fun was cleaning.
Not a personal pleasure.
You can't tell me that, I was there.
You were lucky.
You should be
rotting on the road.
Pay attention to what you say.
Don't be afraid, Miss Rahimi, we're talking.
Tomorrow the verdict will be given.
Tomorrow you will
witness divine intervention.
We're not done yet.
You are very sure of yourself.
You hear people
who shout their support to me?
I still have a lot to do,
all over the country.
Accused, stand up.
The Mashhad court declares
that the defendant Saeed Azimi,
son of Mohammad,
born September 4, 1955,
is found guilty of 16 murders
and kidnappings, as well
as threats to public security.
He was sentenced to death
12 times, to the payment
of compensation to
the families of 4 victims,
to 14 years in prison and
100 lashes for
illicit relations.
Enter, please.
Hello. - Hello, Haji.
How is it going ?
I disturb you during your prayer.
You're okay ?
Were you let in?
I have friends everywhere.
So much the better.
Mr. Haghani is an old friend.
We were together at the front.
Sorry that the court
sentence was so heavy.
I have to play the game, it's a show.
It has its own constraints,
but it'll be okay, right?
Sure.
The judge looked serious.
He is obliged, he is under
pressure from Tehran.
We are watched by the media.
We are going to prepare the next step.
Listen, Saeed, on the day of
the execution of the sentence,
you cross the yard, get
in a car and drive away.
OK ?
That's all.
What do I do until then?
Nothing, you rest and you pray.
We take care of the rest.
I'm a bit stunned.
I understand you.
Keep calm, that's all.
You are a true friend.
- You also.
Thank you for everything.
We take care of your family.
May God protect you.
You really don't say anything to anyone.
Not even at Fatima.
It remains between us.
Understood.
- You understood well ?
It's not too late.
Repent, ask forgiveness.
God is pleased with
me, I don't have to repent.
This is not the moment.
When then ?
Can I tell him that
when he's hanged?
Don't cry, mom.
Imam Reza supports me.
Are you thinking of your young wife?
Do you think of your poor children?
Instead of reassuring them, you scare them.
Why did you do this to us?
You destroyed our lives, Saeed.
Don't cry, my little one.
- Ali!
You are not a head of the family?
You are the man of the house.
Do not Cry.
Raise the head. - Honey...
God's will will be done.
Leave it to God.
Take him. - And the 100 lashes?
There must have been a lapse.
Go for it.
Gently !
Not so hard !
That's enough !
Now the execution.
Stay here.
We must witness the execution.
There are other witnesses.
We are here for that.
You can go see the body.
We had talked about it beforehand.
Stay here, we'll go
see the body together.
What is happening ?
What are you doing ?
Where is the car ?
What are you doing ?
Where is the car ?
Gently !
Haji!
Where is the car ?
Where is she ? Haji!
This is not what was expected!
You bastards!
You sons of bitches, that
was not planned! Haji!
Imam Reza...
What are they doing to me?
Imam Reza...
Help me.
Help me, Imam Reza.
What is happening ?
Hold on.
I can accompany you.
No thanks.
So,
have a nice trip,
take care.
You also. - Thanks.
Don't take unnecessary risks.
I won't always be there to save you.
I was very happy
that you were there.
It was a real pleasure.
Well, I don't mean...
Our collaboration made me very happy.
You know what I mean.
Hi.
I say this for all the spectators:
If the police don't pick up these women,
others than my father will do it.
We act like these
women are normal.
There will be other Saeed Azimi.
In fact,
I've already been asked 20 times
to take up the torch from my father.
You'll see.
When each of them arrived,
my father closed the door,
he locked it and took out the key.
He gave her some money,
she was starting to count,
my father was coming,
he grabbed her by the neck
and squeezed very tight.
She collapsed on the ground.
And there my father knelt
on his throat.
Two seconds. Khadijeh, come see.
Ali, I'm fine with the cushion.
No, wait.
Lie down, put your head there.
A little further.
Stand up straight.
He came like this
put his knee to his throat.
I don't do it for
real, I show you.
He put his forearm over his mouth.
And with both hands
he was pulling on the scarf. That's all.
And then ?
You have to be very strong.
They were weak and drugged,
so it was quick and easy.
What did he do with the bodies?
He enveloped them.
Like that.
I am dead.
It's not a game, they're filming you.
Do not move. - I am dead.
What a clown!
In all, it took half an hour.
One more hour
to get rid of the corpse.
In less than two hours,
he was eliminating a corrupt woman.
INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS
IN MASHHAD, IRAN, BETWEEN 2000 AND 2001
EVERY MAN FINALLY MEEWHAT HE IS LOOKING TO AVOID
IMAM ALI NAHJ AL BALAGHA - SERMON 149
I go.
I'll be back before you wake up.
Get away, asshole!
United Airlines Flight 175 crashed
the South Tower of the World Trade Center at 9:02.
This is not an accident.
BEST SAFFRON EXPORTER 1999
I will smash you! Its good !
I will tear you apart!
What do you do ? Go outside.
I see you more.
You have to pay me.
I say.
I still make a few passes.
Where is Sogra?
- On the square.
I am lacking.
You're welcome.
I go to the square.
Keep your eyes wide open.
It's the cops, get down.
Still.
Do not move.
Let go of me.
Let go of me. - Stay here.
Here.
That's all ? - You stopped.
What ? - I didn't come.
Are you kidding me ? - Clear.
Come.
Show your money.
Cover yourself with this.
The neighbors are curious.
It's dark, you can't see anything.
I tell you to cover yourself.
This way.
What are you waiting for?
Come.
Take it easy, don't make a sound.
Go on.
Listen, I don't feel it tonight.
I'll go.
Come.
I have to go.
- Come, I tell you.
I'm off, I don't want to.
I have a kid.
THE NIGHTS OF MASHHAD
We hear about this
killer spider all the time.
We dare not leave our homes.
I don't understand all this violence.
And you saw this dryness?
Not a cloud in the
sky, not a drop of rain.
Are you there on a pilgrimage?
Yes.
Arezoo Rahimi...
Are you from Mashhad? - Yes.
You live here ?
Why would I come to the hotel?
A room for you? - Yes.
All alone ? - Yes that's it.
A moment.
She booked a room alone.
She is not married. What do I do ?
Sorry, we must have had a problem
with the system.
We are full tonight.
I have a reservation.
I know well.
You decided to bother me.
I am a journalist, here is my card.
Let me look.
A moment.
Its good.
The problem is solved ? - Yes.
Suddenly.
Cover your hair.
It doesn't concern you.
It can cause us...
- Do your job.
They won't bother you.
Hurry up.
People are scared, they are on edge.
He's been wanted for months.
It's not Einstein, after all.
There must be clues, evidence.
He's not some assassin.
- How do you know ?
His name is. - Who is that ?
The type.
Are you kidding me ?
No.
He calls me after every murder.
He is calling you ? Why you ?
I don't know. He must
know that I cover the crimes,
he wants to be in the newspaper.
What did he say to you the last time?
He told me where the body was.
He was furious.
He says he's not an assassin,
that he makes jihad against vice.
What tone is he on the phone? Exalted?
It depends.
Sometimes he's in good shape,
almost friendly.
We would forget the object of his call.
Other times he is very aggressive.
Why did you never say that?
You don't say anything either.
Don't put that in your paper.
- Why ?
It's not just any file.
Religious subjects should be avoided.
- Why ?
It comes from above.
- So what ?
We are in Mashhad.
There are precautions to take.
You weren't scared before.
It's to keep you out of trouble.
I won't have any trouble. I do my job.
And of course, you
didn't record his voice?
You did it ?
Write down what I'm going to tell you.
Do you note? - Yes.
Quchan Old Road,
near the roundabout.
Go pick it up before it stinks.
Where are you ?
- It's none of your business, son of a bitch!
I will eliminate them one by one.
I'm not going to stop.
It's ready.
Saeed?
The cement is ready.
It's ready ?
9 VICTIMS - WHO IS THE SPIDER KILLER?
Is it your stomach again?
Yes. - You're too nervous.
Saeed...
Where is Ali?
At the mosque, for prayer.
Saeed, my father called.
He invites us to dinner on Friday.
I said you might be busy.
My parents complain that they don't see you enough.
They say you never come.
Alright, I'll take care of it.
- Let's go ?
So much the better.
Dad, we were supposed to play together.
I'm tired. - You promised me.
Again. - Go on...
Come on my knees.
My princess.
Pilgrims stay in Mashhad
time to visit the mausoleum.
Peace be with you,
our Imam Reza.
Why do you think these murders
accelerated for 2 months?
It may be a coincidence.
Unrelated matters.
They are all signed by the spider.
You are well informed.
- For you,
it is an individual act
or maybe organized?
It is believed to be a clever
and well-prepared individual.
But no leads should be ruled out.
For instance ?
- Listen, Miss Rahimi...
criminals, however
clever, make mistakes.
This is the golden rule of criminology.
At the slightest misstep, we will have it.
If he doesn't misstep?
Just be patient.
I don't want to criticize you,
but how come
you didn't find any clues?
Where do you think you are?
Here, it's the police and
I'm in charge of this case.
Your coverage is biased from the start.
You show us as incapable.
We change places, if you want.
Take my stripes.
Tehran puts me under pressure.
- I say.
Everyone agrees:
the governor, the deputies, the prefect.
You think it's easy?
Hold.
Red Marlboro.
You are a smoker. - Occasional.
All occasions are good.
Could I take a look at the files?
And There you go.
We slack off and you seek to take advantage of it.
To profit from ? Without your approval,
I will not post any details.
We can meet again to talk about it.
"The procrastination of the
authorities and
their inability to adopt
an effective strategy
raise questions."
Noted.
"Meanwhile, the frequency
of killings is not decreasing."
It's a bit dry, isn't it?
The ending isn't terrible.
- It's true.
More crispy. - For instance:
"Meanwhile, the spider..."
Yes.
"Shadow of the Spider Killer
extends over Mashhad."
"...spreads over Mashhad."
It rocks.
It rocks. - That's great.
Come on, dad, go.
Go ahead.
Behave yourself.
Great.
Hang on.
Above all, you don't say anything to your mother.
I almost fell.
The Khinearab road,
between kilometers 10 and 15.
OK.
Stop writing this crap.
- Which ones?
I clean the streets for Imam Reza.
- That's enough.
It's not over.
What is your name ?
Are you going to continue for a long time?
As much as it takes.
I defend the blood of martyrs.
People like you...
- Shut up!
Did they find any common
ground between these murders?
Yes, he has a signature.
He strangles them with their
scarf and ties a double knot.
For the 10?
- Yes, according to the medical examiner.
At least he's talking to you.
Me, he doesn't answer me.
He's a friend.
DNA tests, fingerprints,
your friends don't know?
The lab in Tehran did some
DNA testing, but
they're newbies.
And then you need a suspect.
Without a suspect, we can't do anything.
The guy kills 10 women using the same method,
he drops them in the same
area and we can't find him?
He's one of them. He is protected.
How would my personal
opinion help you?
Some believe that it is not a
question of simple murders.
That's to say ?
- We say that...
this person would follow a fatwa.
Know that this is not our opinion.
No misunderstanding.
I know why you are here.
I know why you wear that chador,
Miss Rahimi.
No need to pretend.
I know you don't like religious people.
You think we're plotting behind the scenes.
You think the regime
is corrupt, wrongly.
In the eyes of God, all life is sacred.
Don't you think these women deserve to die?
Certainly not.
It is a social problem.
If you're not poor and destitute,
you don't sell your body.
The government has a duty
to take care of the citizens.
There is no fatwa, but
know in any case that
the fatwa is a religious
opinion, not an order.
Thank you for that clarification, Judge.
You're welcome.
Could we access
in the files?
The police agreed to release the information.
Why is this topic of interest to you, Miss Rahimi?
It is my job.
Your job is to inform.
Not to instill fear
or hysteria within society.
We don't create it.
Society lives in fear.
I don't allow you to
create a controversy.
You are a scandal woman,
watch your behavior.
Especially in the holy city of Mashhad.
Thank you, Judge.
May Allah bless you.
I have to go see the girls.
They must have seen it.
But they don't speak easily.
You can't trust them.
They're clueless drug addicts,
they lie as they breathe.
If the cops were smart,
they'd pay a girl
to do the bait.
Great collaboration between cops and whores.
You have some good ones!
What is this story
you had in Tehran?
There were rumors
about you and the editor.
You were fooling around together.
Fricot?
For all my articles, he
kept me after office hours.
He invited me to his home, to his room.
I reported him, they fired me.
You call that fricking?
They harass me and I make myself look bad?
I meant no harm.
Sharifi, the damage is done.
You know me, anyway.
There are too many people. I go back to the hotel.
I come with you. - Nope.
I didn't want to hurt you.
God is great.
- We were supposed to play.
We don't play during prayer.
- Whether.
Naughty,
you come to annoy me during my prayer?
Careful, don't move. Otherwise, I tickle you.
Watch out for tickles.
This guy has killed how many women?
It says 10.
The police are on his trail.
They will arrest him.
I forbade my daughters
to go out at night.
Apparently he only
goes after corrupt women.
You never know. No one is immune.
They say it's an organized gang.
If you knew, Ali.
There was a rain of bullets
and your father was running in all
directions as if nothing had happened!
Running in the middle of a war?
I was still not stupid.
You must be confused.
Thanks a lot. - You're welcome.
You're okay ? - Thanks to God.
Khadijeh, bring the sugar.
You're not coming
to see us at veterans.
I'll bring it to you, Haji.
Hold.
I know you better than my children.
There is something wrong.
You've lost weight, you're nervous.
Isn't it a woman's story?
Stop. Stop, I tell you!
It's okay, calm down, we're talking.
You call that discussing?
Why are you telling me this ?
I told Fatima you
weren't the fickle type.
What is your problem, then?
You can tell me about it, you know.
What's bothering you?
Nothing at all.
The job, the worries.
I turn around.
I wanted to do something...
God didn't make me to be
a simple mason.
I wanted so badly that
the war would never end.
There were martyrs,
disappeared, mutilated,
some whose mothers
received only the bones.
And me ?
Did I deserve any of this?
We can't all be martyred.
It's not us who
decide, it's God.
We have to live our lives,
take care of our families.
They are there for nothing.
You know what ?
You're gonna drop
me off, pick up the
car, and take your
family on a trip. OK ?
I can go to the bathroom ?
This is reserved for customers.
Please.
A Fanta.
Miss, how are you?
Do you want a sandwich ?
Have no manners.
What's your name ?
Soghra.
Aren't you scared at night, in the street?
Enough to ?
Of the killer.
Have you ever seen it, you or your girlfriends?
Did you see a shady guy?
They are all dodgy.
Do you take something?
Are you a cameo?
Are you in front of this hotel every night?
Thanks. - Soghra...
Go away !
Clear !
Get out, I tell you!
Yes it's good.
We make a small bridge to his father?
Send.
Go ahead!
We should come more often.
Sure. - It's good for children.
My only goal is for you to live in peace.
I know well. - Yes ?
Why are you laughing ?
You say that when...
Sorry, dad.
Come see. Come.
Excuse me...
- Come here!
Father ? - Saeed?
Come here, where are you going?
Come see !
Dad...
- Saeed!
Stop, I tell you! - Father !
What's the matter with you ?
What are you doing ? Stay here.
Ali, see what you did?
What's the matter ?
Show me, darling.
What's wrong ?
What is happening ?
Sorry, dad.
Get up, it's embarrassing in public.
Come on, get up, we're going to your sisters.
For once we had to have fun,
you're screwing everything up.
It's nothing, son.
Thin ! - What ?
I forgot to leave the gear with Gholam.
So what ?
- It starts very early tomorrow.
So ? Do you have to go now?
Yes, I will be calmer.
Can't you go later? - Nope.
Excuse me to your parents.
I'll come tomorrow.
After lunch ? - Yes.
Come down, children.
Fatima...
Honey, look at me...
- Get down.
Why do you take it badly?
I'll pick you up tomorrow.
Why are you so shy?
Can I eat an apple?
Sure,
make yourself at home.
You're feeling good ?
Aren't you sick?
It's hot in here.
I will open the window.
Sorry, my God.
Fatima?
Can you take out the trash?
- OK.
Are you back?
I forgot the pickles for my parents.
They wanted it.
Where are the children?
- They stayed there.
What is happening ?
A leak. I have to tell
Ahmad to come and fix it.
Still ? He fixed it the other day.
- I do not know...
Don't roll the carpet, it damages it.
I'm taking care of it.
Can you warm me something?
Did you eat anything?
- No, I'm starving.
You understood me. And
as always, you helped me
to fulfill my desires.
I know your desires well.
Did you notice anything?
What ?
Looked.
I changed my hairstyle.
Look at my curls.
I went today with mom.
Was it expensive?
It's pretty.
- You speak, you had seen nothing.
My darling...
Saeed? - Yes ?
Marzieh said that one evening when I
was with the children at my parents' house,
she saw you come into
the house with a woman.
Marzieh made a mistake.
How can she be wrong
seeing you ten meters away?
Fatima, you know me.
There is no other woman.
Saeed?
Are you tired of me?
Bored?
Mr. Sharifi...
- Hello.
You brought your guest. - Yes.
You will say more that we are blocking,
Miss Rahimi.
There is nothing to see!
You mash the tomatoes.
Let them pass.
Step away from the body.
Step aside.
It's a crime scene. Get away.
Don't come any closer, lady.
Breathe.
Step away from the body.
Don't stay there.
Why did he throw it there, that bastard?
Who will want our tomatoes?
Step aside.
Move on, there's nothing to see.
Bring some sweet tea for this lady.
Breathe.
Thanks.
Drop this matter.
It's a bottomless pit.
Think about your health, your safety.
Good evening.
Hello. - Hello.
I come to hear from you.
I'm ok thanks.
I would like to talk to you. I can enter ?
Are you okay here?
How are you.
- For a short stay.
Sit down.
Thank you I'm okay.
Do you smoke with me?
Thanks for letting me come this morning.
I told Sharifi it
didn't suit a woman.
I was shocked, I had seen this girl before.
They are all the same.
Cameo trails.
Besides, this one was pregnant.
She had a big belly.
It's unbelievable.
Being knocked up and lying right to left.
Come on, I'm not here for work.
Sorry, but I'm tired.
If you have finished...
Don't be fooled by my uniform.
I look tough, but I'm soft.
I can show you around Mashhad,
take you out for dinner alone.
I told you I was tired.
I ask you to leave.
Go, I tell you.
What if I don't want to?
What are you going to do ?
Call the cops?
At the newspaper too, you were
fired because you made your tease?
You're not worth it.
You're one of those girls
who smokes with all the guys.
One of those.
Yes.
Dad, look what I found.
- What ?
Show me.
It's a waste.
It had to be put in the trash.
You're right, I should have.
It was fun throwing it away.
I did like children.
Dad threw an apple out the window.
Why did you do that ?
You set a good example.
The taxi is coming, are you ready?
- Yes.
I want to throw an apple too.
- But no.
Dad did something
stupid, don't do like him.
Here we go, honey.
Grandma is waiting for us.
It must be over there.
Are you sure ? This neighborhood sucks.
I call you.
Little...
Hello how are you ?
Do you know Zari? - The low.
Hello.
Are you Zari?
- What do you want ?
I want to talk to you,
about Soghra.
Who is that ? - Your daughter.
I don't know Soghra.
Clear ! What do you want ?
I don't know Soghra! Go away !
Which Soghra?
What Soghra are you talking about?
Which Soghra do you
want to talk to me about?
It was he who took Somayeh.
I am sure.
Rasul saw him pick her up on his motorcycle.
Who is Rasul?
A city employee.
He works locally.
He saw her face? - From afar.
But for my Soghra, I don't know.
I told him to avoid bikers.
Usually she listened to me.
Where was she waiting this time?
As per usual.
Near Laleh Square.
Did you tell that to the police?
Did you see me, princess?
I smoke 6g of opium a day.
I don't talk to the cops.
I can come with you.
Are you crazy?
He cleans them up.
They won't stop him.
I saw it four or five times.
He was riding a motorbike,
he watched all around.
Where did he take Somayeh?
Right in front.
Soghra also left with him?
Is it for the police?
I am journalist.
I got in trouble with the police.
I want to be quiet now.
It seems that he comes
on Thursday evenings
and that he looks
like a fundamentalist.
It matches.
Yes, but be careful.
The road is next to the highway.
It's easy to throw the bodies there.
He must live around here.
I do not think so. I call the cops.
I don't trust them.
What ? You have to call them.
I don't trust it, I tell you.
- Why ?
Even you, I barely trust you.
Your idea is stupid.
I'm stubborn, you know. Are you helping me or not?
I tell you you're a coward.
You ride ?
To go up ? On your donkey?
Clear.
I've seen you before. It's a sign.
The sign that you have to go home and jerk off.
I have a nice house,
food, even opium.
Show your money.
Behave yourself.
You put some time.
It's my kitty hanging out.
- Come on, get out.
She doesn't like being yelled at.
Cover yourself.
I like you. - Do not touch me.
Won't you start?
The counter is spinning.
Show me how you take care of my kitty.
What about opium?
Was it bullshit?
But no.
Eh ?
I'll prepare it for you, I'm coming.
It's coming.
Is that what you like?
Your beard...
Bitch!
Do not touch me. - What ?
I'm going to the bathroom.
Go ahead.
It's up to you to sing.
My God, help me.
Come !
What do you do ?
Come into my arms.
So ?
Are you kidding anymore?
Laugh.
Go ahead.
Laugh.
Miss Rahimi. - Stay away.
Let's go. It's getting late.
You can't go to the crane foot
every evening.
He won't come.
He will come, I'm sure.
Any news from the killer spider?
I do not know. Look in the newspapers.
Serve yourself.
- Hello, Fatima.
You are falling.
I am boosted by stepmother.
I even made your favorite dish.
Come to dinner, children.
Zahra, come to dinner. It's gonna be cold.
I need salad
at each meal.
What's in your hand, Saeed?
I did not see.
A pickaxe at work.
You must have hurt yourself.
I was breaking bricks.
My guys weren't paying attention.
But it's my fault.
We wonder where your head is.
Help yourself, it will cool.
I serve you ?
You exaggerate.
Just call us
every 36th of the month.
Sorry, Mom, I'm overwhelmed.
And your father ? And his diabetes?
If I call more often, does that cure him?
Make fun of me.
You will see when you are a mother.
Did you get your tattoo done?
Arezoo, do you smoke?
Don't make your eyebrows too thick.
Don't change the subject.
Have you thought about your asthma?
you always run
after the Mashhad killer?
- Yes.
You don't tell yourself
that we are getting a blood of ink?
It's okay, I'm not a beginner.
You always say that.
Whore !
Come on, get on.
Clear.
What are you waiting for ?
Bustling.
Do you have money?
- Of course, get on.
Behave yourself.
Bastard!
Where did he go? Asshole!
Between.
Someone can always
arrive at a sensitive time.
Make yourself at home.
The ? - Where you want.
In the dark ?
You're right, it's not good, in the dark.
Here is light.
Move in.
Tea, fruit?
Do you want tea or fruit?
Where is the bathroom ?
To the right.
What's your name ?
Zahra.
Are you from Mashhad? - Yes.
Which side ?
- Does it concern you?
You're lying, you're not from around.
What is your job ?
- Am I asking you any questions?
I am a mason.
Is it your first time?
You look like a beginner.
What do you have in your hand?
- Nothing.
Just a hit.
What do you do ? - I'm playing.
What do you do ? Let go of me !
I'm not alone.
- You are scared ?
Open the door. - Calm down.
Open, I tell you! - OK.
Quick ! - OK.
Bustling. - Yes.
Pushes you. - OK.
Help ! - A sort of...
Bitch, are you pulling a knife?
Dirty bitch! - Help !
Dirty bitch!
If you come any closer, I'll kill you!
Help ! - Stop screaming !
Help me !
Step back.
- Please don't shout.
Don't shout, I have a family.
Open the toilet.
- Okay, but don't shout.
Step back. - OK.
Go lock yourself in the toilet.
OK.
Hurl or I'll scream louder.
Don't shout!
Close the door ! Help !
Saeed? - You make noise.
Go see who it is, Saeed.
Yes ?
I'm coming.
Who is it ?
- The police, I'll see.
The police ? To do what ?
Surely for Ali.
Him and his football... I'm coming with you.
No, I need two seconds.
Yes ? - Mr. Azimi?
It's me. - Saeed Azimi?
Yes. - Do you live there?
Yes.
Accompany us to the station.
What are you watching ?
I know why you are here.
Come, then.
- I am wearing my pyjamas.
Let's go.
The neighbors are watching us.
Father ?
Go home, I'll be right back.
But where are you going?
Why are they taking him?
I thank the police
forces for their constant
efforts which enabled
the arrest of this criminal.
It's good, they
recognize your merits.
You become a celebrity.
It's not over.
I thank the media
for their presence.
They can't let him go.
His file is too heavy.
They will find a way.
Those who seek to disturb security
of the holy city will be punished.
Do you still believe in conspiracies?
How is he doing ?
Good. He's coming back very soon.
Who did he fight with?
He didn't fight, darling.
Your father eliminated
corrupt women.
Don't worry, my son.
God protects us.
Will he be released? - Sure.
He didn't do anything wrong.
What were these women doing?
Sorry, my God.
They were bad women,
worthless bitches.
They were hanging
out in the streets
and selling drugs
to young people.
They deserved it.
Your father has clean hands.
Say hello to Abbas.
How many ? - Nothing at all.
But if.
You look sad, big guy.
How are you, your father?
He is in prison.
Keep your head up.
Say hello to your mother.
Tell him to come and help himself here.
Thanks a lot.
Some fruit...
It's nothing,
next to what we owe your father.
Tell your mother to come
and take whatever she wants.
Thanks. - Be well.
Goodbye.
I felt responsible for the
moral cleansing of the city.
What did you know of the
moral corruption of the victims?
It was evident.
What proof did you have?
You don't have to be a genius
to recognize a
whore in the street.
Watch your language, Mr. Azimi.
No vulgarity within
this sacred tribunal.
Vulgarity is these women
in front of the mausoleum
offering their services with impunity.
Do you recognize the 17 murders?
16, Mr. Justice.
Who killed the 17th victim?
A sissy.
Otherwise, he would have assumed!
Silence !
Silence !
Where were you when
your wife was murdered?
In jail, Mr. Judge.
For what offence?
- Drug traffic.
people came
to try to convince
us to forgive him.
We were even offered money.
You didn't accept?
You don't forgive a killer.
Why weren't you on trial?
We wanted to come...
We don't want to prolong
this affair, you understand?
You can be a civil party.
So what ?
To go and say in public that
our daughter was a prostitute?
That she was on drugs?
- We don't want...
Good if she's dead. Good riddance.
With the life she had chosen,
she didn't deserve better.
- Stop a little.
The little one will hear you.
So what ?
I tell the truth.
Excuse her, she's out of control.
She cries day and night.
If you had the choice, would you
opt for execution
or compensation?
If we execute him, it won't give me back my daughter.
I find myself alone, handicapped,
to have to feed
this poor little girl.
I don't want her to
end up like her mother.
It was the apple of my eye.
I raised her as best I could.
You see ? I told you.
They will buy their forgiveness.
They are poor people.
They would do anything for money.
Do you still think I'm paranoid?
Where do you think this money comes from?
What's the verdict, master?
Listen, Mrs. Azimi,
this dossier has a political charge.
The government wants to shut it down
before the elections.
Things are accelerating.
It's not possible.
People support him.
He is very popular.
My dad has a lot of supporters.
Well, that's why I'm considering
pleading mental instability.
It's his only chance.
- What's this ?
That would mean he
wasn't in his normal state.
My father is not crazy.
Shut up or get out.
Haji, it's too much, it bothers me.
It's nothing.
It's from veterans.
God bless them.
Everything will be fine.
How are you doing?
I never thought Saeed
would do such a thing.
Why did he play the vigilante?
Don't worry.
We started a petition.
Ali, wait, I'm coming.
People are against his conviction.
But Haji, I think...
the judge doesn't care about any of that.
He must take into
account the popular verdict.
Here it is different.
His file became political.
We are taking care of it.
His friends support him.
I do not know.
Take care of your children.
Ali, you watch over your
mother and your sisters.
Between 1981
and 1988 he fought on the front
for 623 days.
This of course triggered
post-traumatic stress.
My client has a
psychiatric history.
Does the accused acknowledge these facts?
The medical record is indisputable.
The court will take that into account.
I told you.
Accused, stand up and speak out
about your mental health issues.
In the name of the martyrs,
if the papers say so,
I have nothing to add.
Yes,
I'm crazy.
Crazy about the eighth imam.
Fool of Imam Reza.
- Mr. Azimi...
Mad about rooting out corruption.
This court is not a place of preaching.
Do I look crazy?
Do you think I'm crazy?
Respond or you will be expelled.
If fulfilling one's duty is to be mad...
Get him out. - I'm crazy.
I want to clean up the world.
It's good, this madness.
I'm crazy.
Crazy for God.
We're proud of you.
We had agreed.
Your lawyer explains
everything to you and
you, you say something
else at the trial?
Don't say that, Fatima.
I'm not crazy, you know.
Do you think I am?
I don't want my defenders
to think I'm crazy.
Who are your defenders?
Street people, all those guys.
Stopped !
I can't hear that anymore.
Listen...
Look at me.
Look at me.
I will be out very soon.
- It's what you say.
It will be very soon.
Go find the little ones.
Send me Ali, I want to talk to him.
Why are you whining?
Don't put your finger in your nose,
who taught you these manners?
You laugh ?
- You taught them to me.
How's high school?
I don't go there anymore.
- What ?
Why ?
I fought.
Why ?
A boy told me my
father was a killer.
Everyone can have their opinions.
Most people love you, I can see that.
I did nothing wrong.
I did this for God.
My hands are clean.
What were you doing to them?
It's not for children.
You said I was a man!
And you believed me?
Tell me what you did to them.
I picked them up on the street.
I brought them home.
I knocked them down.
I strangle them with my hands.
They weren't struggling?
Of course yes. And how.
Don't you know your father?
Thank you very much for having us
in this difficult time.
I'm listening to you.
How did you react when you learned
that your husband was the spider killer?
I felt very bad.
I was shocked, I never
thought Saeed could do that.
Has his behavior changed?
lately ? - No way.
He was as always.
No change.
He worked, took care of his family.
I couldn't suspect anything.
If these women
were pure, they would
not drive out other
people's husbands.
I am one of them.
Your husband brought me to your house.
You had no right to
walk the pavement,
to encourage my husband to do his duty.
Your husband had a
duty to clean up the town?
He was at the front, there
was a martyr in his family.
He sees these women
in this holy city,
with their chewing gum, their short jacket.
Sorry, that's not normal.
That's not the topic...
Can we talk to Ali?
Sure. Ali adores his father.
Based on the confessions
of the accused, Saeed Azimi,
on the reconstitution of the crimes,
on the testimony
by Arezoo Rahimi,
and pursuant to Articles 286,
383, 621 and 618 of the Islamic penal code,
I ask the court to
pronounce its verdict.
The accused is called
upon to speak one last time.
In the name of God, the merciful.
"Let him bring justice
and eliminate injustice, with
all due respect to the unjust."
I read it in Persian
so that everyone understands this prayer.
Saeed Azimi is innocent!
Did you see the crowd?
They will all return to their lives
and we will remain with our misfortune.
Free Saeed Azimi!
Sit down, Mr. Azimi.
Thank you my brother.
So, Miss Rahimi, you got
me good with your makeup.
This is Mr. Sharifi from the Khorasan newspaper.
Is that you Sharifi?
I know your voice well.
I am well surrounded.
Have you ever felt remorse?
No way. I have done my duty.
If I have any regrets...
is not being able to finish it.
Wasn't 16 enough?
17, almost...
I had spotted about 200 women
around the mausoleum.
Lately, if I didn't kill
them, I couldn't fall asleep.
You felt nothing at the time of the crime?
No.
You didn't feel pleasure
when you were about to kill me?
The fun was cleaning.
Not a personal pleasure.
You can't tell me that, I was there.
You were lucky.
You should be
rotting on the road.
Pay attention to what you say.
Don't be afraid, Miss Rahimi, we're talking.
Tomorrow the verdict will be given.
Tomorrow you will
witness divine intervention.
We're not done yet.
You are very sure of yourself.
You hear people
who shout their support to me?
I still have a lot to do,
all over the country.
Accused, stand up.
The Mashhad court declares
that the defendant Saeed Azimi,
son of Mohammad,
born September 4, 1955,
is found guilty of 16 murders
and kidnappings, as well
as threats to public security.
He was sentenced to death
12 times, to the payment
of compensation to
the families of 4 victims,
to 14 years in prison and
100 lashes for
illicit relations.
Enter, please.
Hello. - Hello, Haji.
How is it going ?
I disturb you during your prayer.
You're okay ?
Were you let in?
I have friends everywhere.
So much the better.
Mr. Haghani is an old friend.
We were together at the front.
Sorry that the court
sentence was so heavy.
I have to play the game, it's a show.
It has its own constraints,
but it'll be okay, right?
Sure.
The judge looked serious.
He is obliged, he is under
pressure from Tehran.
We are watched by the media.
We are going to prepare the next step.
Listen, Saeed, on the day of
the execution of the sentence,
you cross the yard, get
in a car and drive away.
OK ?
That's all.
What do I do until then?
Nothing, you rest and you pray.
We take care of the rest.
I'm a bit stunned.
I understand you.
Keep calm, that's all.
You are a true friend.
- You also.
Thank you for everything.
We take care of your family.
May God protect you.
You really don't say anything to anyone.
Not even at Fatima.
It remains between us.
Understood.
- You understood well ?
It's not too late.
Repent, ask forgiveness.
God is pleased with
me, I don't have to repent.
This is not the moment.
When then ?
Can I tell him that
when he's hanged?
Don't cry, mom.
Imam Reza supports me.
Are you thinking of your young wife?
Do you think of your poor children?
Instead of reassuring them, you scare them.
Why did you do this to us?
You destroyed our lives, Saeed.
Don't cry, my little one.
- Ali!
You are not a head of the family?
You are the man of the house.
Do not Cry.
Raise the head. - Honey...
God's will will be done.
Leave it to God.
Take him. - And the 100 lashes?
There must have been a lapse.
Go for it.
Gently !
Not so hard !
That's enough !
Now the execution.
Stay here.
We must witness the execution.
There are other witnesses.
We are here for that.
You can go see the body.
We had talked about it beforehand.
Stay here, we'll go
see the body together.
What is happening ?
What are you doing ?
Where is the car ?
What are you doing ?
Where is the car ?
Gently !
Haji!
Where is the car ?
Where is she ? Haji!
This is not what was expected!
You bastards!
You sons of bitches, that
was not planned! Haji!
Imam Reza...
What are they doing to me?
Imam Reza...
Help me.
Help me, Imam Reza.
What is happening ?
Hold on.
I can accompany you.
No thanks.
So,
have a nice trip,
take care.
You also. - Thanks.
Don't take unnecessary risks.
I won't always be there to save you.
I was very happy
that you were there.
It was a real pleasure.
Well, I don't mean...
Our collaboration made me very happy.
You know what I mean.
Hi.
I say this for all the spectators:
If the police don't pick up these women,
others than my father will do it.
We act like these
women are normal.
There will be other Saeed Azimi.
In fact,
I've already been asked 20 times
to take up the torch from my father.
You'll see.
When each of them arrived,
my father closed the door,
he locked it and took out the key.
He gave her some money,
she was starting to count,
my father was coming,
he grabbed her by the neck
and squeezed very tight.
She collapsed on the ground.
And there my father knelt
on his throat.
Two seconds. Khadijeh, come see.
Ali, I'm fine with the cushion.
No, wait.
Lie down, put your head there.
A little further.
Stand up straight.
He came like this
put his knee to his throat.
I don't do it for
real, I show you.
He put his forearm over his mouth.
And with both hands
he was pulling on the scarf. That's all.
And then ?
You have to be very strong.
They were weak and drugged,
so it was quick and easy.
What did he do with the bodies?
He enveloped them.
Like that.
I am dead.
It's not a game, they're filming you.
Do not move. - I am dead.
What a clown!
In all, it took half an hour.
One more hour
to get rid of the corpse.
In less than two hours,
he was eliminating a corrupt woman.
INSPIRED BY REAL EVENTS
IN MASHHAD, IRAN, BETWEEN 2000 AND 2001