It Was Just an Accident (2025) Movie Script
1
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
PALME D'OR 2025
That was a beautiful flip.
He's definitely going to be a gymnast.
Dance, mom.
Make my little brother dance.
Come on, dad, dance.
But dad, why did you turn it down?
It's not good.
The noise bothers people.
What people?
Seriously
Do you see anyone here?
At home, we have to respect the neighbors.
But we don't have neighbors!
And nobody ever comes to our house.
Mom?
Tell him to turn it up.
Come on, dad, turn up the volume.
There, you can dance now.
What was that?
I don't know.
Don't be afraid, honey.
Don't be afraid.
Hand me a tissue.
Niloufar,
stay away from the window.
Thank God, we're safe.
Turn it off.
Dad killed him.
I didn't even see it.
He jumped in front of the car.
Honey, there are no lights on this road.
These animals end up getting run over.
It was just an accident.
Whatever will be, will be.
God didn't put him
in our path for no reason.
He killed a dog.
God has nothing to do with this.
It wasn't his fault.
He didn't do it on purpose.
Another sign.
Translation and Editing:
Enthusiast
Palme d'Or Winner
It Was Just an Accident
A film by Jafar Panahi
Is it the belt?
I don't know.
Try again.
Go.
Again.
Stop, it's no use.
Excuse me.
Is there a mechanic around here?
About two kilometers away.
That's too far. My car broke down
and I'm with my family.
Is there one closer?
Can I call them?
I don't have the number.
Alright, thanks.
Sir...
I can try to fix it.
I'd appreciate that.
Rahim, we're friends.
If you ever have trouble,
you can count on me.
That's right.
- Omid!
- What?
Don't hang up.
I'll talk to you in a second.
What happened?
A family's car broke down.
I'm going to try to help.
Are you still there, Rahim?
Can you hear me?
When are you returning the van?
I have to be there in an hour.
It's always like this.
Since the client isn't there,
just bring the goods.
Yeah.
I have to deliver the trousseau.
It's urgent. Hurry up.
Wait, someone's calling.
I'll talk to you later.
Hi, mom, are you okay?
Who turned on the light?
Omid!
Did you turn it on?
Omid?
Sorry,
I wanted to turn on the bathroom light.
I made a mistake.
Turn it off.
It's the other switch.
Okay, sorry.
My bad, mom.
It was a customer.
Did you have dinner?
Why?
Go ahead and eat, I'm coming.
Mom, the van isn't mine.
Okay.
I can't go now, mommy.
Yes, I bought it.
Exactly what you asked for.
A foreign brand.
Yes.
Don't worry, there will be everything.
Anything else?
Love you.
See you later.
What's his name?
Vahid.
Vahid?
Vahid?
Vahid?
Yes?
Omid needs
the toolbox.
Go through that door,
on the right, there's the
tool cupboard.
Through there?
Yes.
Thank you very much.
Start the car.
I rigged it up.
It's temporary.
- Thank you very much.
- You're welcome.
- What?
- The key!
- What for?
- It's urgent.
What about your sister's trousseau?
Meet me with the van later.
Don't forget my clothes.
Watch out for the motorcycle!
Got it.
Get out of there.
What the fuck is this?
Shut up, you piece of shit.
Shut your mouth.
Stop moving.
- I'm going to bury you.
- No!
Damn it.
What are you doing?
Stop!
Stop! I can't breathe!
Don't do this! Stop!
I have a family.
Don't do this!
Is this your real name?
Rashid Shahsavari.
Yes, that's me.
Look, take my card.
The pin is 1329.
Withdraw whatever you want.
Wasn't Eghbal a good name?
It's shorter, sounds better.
Stop!
Who is Eghbal?
Shut up, you son of a bitch!
You were the one who used to say that.
Remember?
You said:
"If your mother wasn't a whore,
she wouldn't have birthed
a piece of shit like you."
Well, you piece of shit?
Did you forget Eghbal?
One-legged Eghbal.
Do you remember now?
You will remember.
I've never heard that name!
Who is it?
Don't play dumb.
Do you think this miserable life
made me forget everything?
That I wouldn't recognize you?
Did you think just blindfolding us
and sitting us facing the wall
would make us not recognize you?
Even with our eyes covered,
our ears still worked.
The sound of your steps...
I'd recognize the sound of that prosthetic
anywhere.
That horrible sound
still echoes in my head.
Do you think I'm an idiot?
All these years
I've been tortured by that memory.
You bastard.
You ruined my life!
Years? I lost my leg
last year in an accident!
Stop!
You'll see!
I swear!
Look for yourself!
Look at my scars!
You'll see they are recent!
I have a doctor's appointment today.
Look for yourself.
Look.
Please, stop.
I can't breathe.
Don't pull!
It's a prosthetic!
Pull up my pants.
You'll see...
Don't pull!
Does that look like an old scar?
Where did you go?
Get me out of here.
Come on, I'm suffocating.
Get me out of here.
Come on, I beg you.
Quick, I'm suffocating.
What did I do to deserve this?
Get me out of here!
- Hello. How are you?
- Good, and you?
- Is Salar in?
- Yes, upstairs.
Hi, Salar.
- Vahid! How are you?
- Good.
And you?
I'm good, thanks.
Where have you been, man?
How's the kidney?
It's manageable.
Sit down.
- Am I interrupting?
- What brings you here?
Since you come on Tuesdays, I showed up.
I preferred not to call.
It's important.
Before anything else...
Did you go to the doctor?
I made several appointments for you.
You have to take care of that kidney.
They always called you "Jug,"
but holding your back like that,
you really look like one.
I was busy, but I'll go.
Look at this...
Here.
Whose is this?
It's that one-legged bastard's.
Where did you find this?
I ended up finding him.
I ran him over.
He's in the trunk.
Have you gone crazy, Vahid?
Relax, he's alive.
I need you
because I have doubts.
Tell me if it's really him.
Come with me.
What got into you?
Did you think about the consequences?
I didn't know what to do.
When I saw the guy, I saw red.
Do you know what he did to me,
that son of a bitch?
He took everything from me.
My honor, my wife, my job.
I have nothing left!
I even dug a hole
to bury him alive.
But he made me doubt.
He says he's not Eghbal.
I just wanted you to help me
identify the guy.
This doesn't seem like you.
We aren't murderers.
We aren't like them.
You don't need to dig their grave.
They dig it themselves.
Don't do things
that betray your principles.
Look, I didn't come here
to hear a sermon.
I'm past that phase.
I already started this,
now I have to finish it.
Just tell me one thing:
is it him or not?
Even if it is him, do you think
you'll get away with killing him?
Salar,
in the worst moments of my life,
you were there, you supported me.
I will never forget that.
If you don't want to help,
I won't be upset.
I'll do what I have to do.
Forget it, Vahid.
What is it?
Call this number.
Do exactly
what the woman says.
Okay.
Turn right.
You have arrived at your destination.
That's it, smile, Goli.
Sorry, just a moment.
Watch out for the train.
- I have to answer.
- No problem.
Hello?
Hi, Maryam. How are you?
Yes, the whole series is ready.
I'll send it to you tonight.
Excuse me...
The wedding is tomorrow.
We're taking the photos now.
The retouching is done.
You will have...
Of course, don't worry.
Make your choice.
Just don't cause us any trouble.
Right.
Yes, that's great.
Agreed.
Thanks, kisses.
See you later.
Hello, are you here?
Let's take a few more photos
in front of that brick building.
It's good to change the scenery
once in a while.
Like I said,
I'm swamped with work.
I'm only listening to you
because Salar sent you here.
Isn't that Goli?
Who was imprisoned with you?
Can we step out for two minutes?
What for?
Speak here.
It's a bit delicate.
I can't talk here.
I have a lot to do, sir.
You can see that, right?
Go outside, I'll go there
when I'm done. Thank you.
I found One-Leg.
You called him "The Lame One," I think.
Who are you, anyway?
I was arrested two weeks
after you.
Accused of propaganda
against the regime and conspiracy.
I read your file.
I need your help.
I just need you to confirm if it's him.
Is he here?
Yes. No need to be afraid.
He can't talk or move.
He's in the trunk of the van.
Did you kill him?
No, the bastard is alive.
I want your help
to identify him.
I can't help you with that.
Salar made a huge mistake
sending you here.
I'm getting back to
a normal life now.
And she's busy with
preparations for the wedding tomorrow.
Go away, please.
He beat me so much that I hold
my back all the time.
What do I look like?
They call me Jug.
I want to finish him,
but I need your confirmation.
I don't care what they call you.
I can't do anything for you.
Go away or I'll have you removed.
Go on, get lost.
Sorry, everyone.
So, how are we doing?
Ali, over here.
Goli on the other side.
That's it, that looks good...
It's too black on black here.
Go back to how you were.
That's good.
Good...
Look at the bride.
I'm going to make a call.
I'll be right back.
Hello?
Hi, Salar.
He's in the van.
Shiva, don't say anything.
Why?
He might hear us.
We'll talk later, okay?
Are you sure it's him?
No.
If I was, I wouldn't be here.
- And then?
- What do you mean?
Even if it is, what are you going to do?
Leave it to me,
don't worry.
I won't make things complicated for you.
- But is it him?
- I don't know!
I was blindfolded
the whole time.
Shiva...
Go out.
- Yes, dear?
- Who is it? What does he want?
Hello, brother.
How are you?
We're getting married, we came to take pictures.
Nothing illegal.
The party is tomorrow.
You know what I mean.
I have something for you.
Ali?
What did you say to him?
Tell me what he wants.
Relax. He just came to tell me something.
You look disturbed.
Get in.
He brought One-Leg.
- Who?
- What?
One-Leg.
Goli...
Bring water!
Don't be like that...
Goli, calm down, it's nothing.
Get in.
It's okay.
Goli!
Goli!
Where is that bastard?
Calm down!
He'll hear us!
Open this!
Shut up!
Where did you find him?
I don't know who you are,
or what you want.
Why are you disturbing Goli?
If something happens to her,
you'll pay.
Ali, stop. Get in.
Understood?
We don't know if it's him. Go away.
Are you kidding?
That trash destroyed my life.
Until I'm sure,
I'm not leaving.
I told you to leave.
Why cause trouble?
Open the door.
I need a good look.
Not you.
The smell of sweat reminds me of him.
- But...
- What?
Only Hamid can identify him.
Shiva, you're not bringing that crazy guy!
We're going to him.
Goli barely recovered.
We can't risk it.
Then why did you come out?
Look, I have nothing to lose.
But Goli is very fragile.
Only Hamid can help...
Who is Hamid?
- He's one of the...
- What are we waiting for?
Come here.
They're waiting for us at home.
Give me my phone.
Let's go!
Hi, mom.
I'm fine.
We're going to take more photos
with Ali and Shiva.
That's right.
No, but tonight...
Don't worry.
I'll be late.
Okay. Kisses.
Satisfied?
Shall we go?
Okay. But first,
give me your phones.
Turned off.
Get in.
Go straight.
Nice photoshoot.
We already took plenty.
Stop it.
What a nightmare.
You just complain all the time.
Stop it.
I don't understand...
- Hello.
- Hi, how are you?
Hello.
- Vahid, Abolfazl.
- Nice to meet you.
- Is the doctor in?
- Yes, come in.
I wanted to see him.
Sure.
- Health improved?
- Yes, thank you.
- And you?
- All good.
Thanks, bye.
You're welcome, bye.
Hamid is going to make a scene.
I got earplugs
for One-Leg.
And this to make him sleep.
Is this safe?
Yes. Hamid mentioned it
and a friend explained how to use it.
We can't kill him.
Please, excuse me.
- What is it?
- Give them some cash.
Here.
- Just this?
- Yes.
We're out of cash.
Park next to the pickup truck.
There he is.
He's not right in the head!
Where are you going?
They're over there!
Quick, get in.
- Why are you doing this?
- Let's go somewhere quiet.
Why do you always treat me like this?
Dear Hamid,
it's serious.
Since when did I become "Dear Hamid"?
Shut up, Hamid!
Tell me where we can
talk in peace.
Go straight,
then first right.
You son of a bitch!
Hamid!
It's him!
It's this trash!
Let me go! Let me go!
Hamid, shut up
or I'll throw you out.
I swear it's him!
It's the shitty leg
he lost in Syria!
He took his anger out
on guys like me!
For five years, in my nightmares,
I touch his leg.
Let me go!
We need to be sure...
Sure of what?
He made me touch
his rotten leg, blindfolded,
to show off his deeds
in that holy war bullshit!
- Let me go!
- Calm down.
Did he confess he's Eghbal?
What do you mean, confessed?
Did you talk to him?
Before knocking him out, yes.
You're all crazy, seriously!
Do you think he'll confess?
One slip up
and he hangs us!
If we let him,
he'll screw us over again.
Unless he confesses...
I'll make him talk!
Nobody touches him
until he confesses it's him.
Where did this idiot come from?
How many guys have their right leg
cut off at the same height
and the left
with the same scars?
Shut up, he's Salar's friend.
That explains it!
That coward Salar!
- Let me go!
- Get out!
Let me go, I'm telling you!
Give me a minute.
Don't be like that.
Why are you yelling?
He's going to have an attack.
If he yells like that,
they'll hear.
Is this a robbery or what?
No way,
we're joking, we're friends.
Do we look like bandits?
No, but there are strange noises
and the van is shaking.
- Feeling better, Hamid?
- He's our friend.
What's going on in there?
Nothing. It's nothing.
What are you doing?
Talking to these gentlemen.
Hello, how are you?
I'm a wedding photographer.
We came to take some photos.
- Here?
- The view is beautiful.
- Do you have permission?
- Permission?
- Yes.
- For wedding photos?
- Of course.
- Are you crazy?
Robbery, disturbance...
They're just security guards...
- It was a joke.
- I understand.
He's not right in the head... Goli!
There's nothing to see.
We're just looking.
Let's go to the other side,
the view is better.
Quickly.
Goli, give us a smile.
Ali, move over there.
I'll take just Goli.
- We interrupted you.
- Not at all.
Let's go.
Let's go.
- Aren't you going to give us anything?
- What?
What does he want now?
Your friend isn't well.
- Are you a doctor?
- Forgive him.
I have no cash,
maybe next time.
Planning to get married again?
Excuse me?
Do you have money?
I have a card machine.
Here.
Done.
- Isn't that a lot?
- Don't be a cheapskate.
Go on.
Everyone out, please.
What?
I bothered you for nothing.
I'll continue alone.
I don't want to upset you
with my problems.
Oh yeah?
Is it your problem?
Until I finish
this bastard,
I'm not leaving.
I'm fine here, thanks.
I won't repeat myself.
If you don't get out,
I'm not moving!
Same here.
And I won't repeat myself.
We're leaving.
Come, honey.
Where?
He's right
and we have a lot to do.
Are you serious?
He found the guy.
Let him do what he wants.
If you want to go, go.
Without you? Are you crazy?
Of course I'm crazy!
Even if it's him
and we leave him with you,
what will you do?
This is a quagmire, honey.
The more you stir, the deeper you sink.
It will end badly for everyone.
Forget this. Come with me.
This happened before I met you.
It has to end sometime.
And the time is now.
Let me handle this.
We're getting married.
What do you mean, you handle it?
Listen closely. This trash has to talk
whatever the cost.
Otherwise, I won't be alive
for the wedding tomorrow.
Goli, I'm speaking
for your own good.
I know.
Can I have a cigarette?
What do you intend to do?
I don't know exactly.
Are you always like this?
Act first and think later?
Why do you say that?
It's just how it is.
In the heat of the moment,
you make a rash decision...
But then you get real.
That's good.
I thought you had stopped smoking.
Of course, after flirting,
the temptation is great.
Relax, I'll be serious now.
Your problem is that
the guy hasn't confessed, right?
If we go to a quiet place,
I swear on my mother
that I'll extract a confession
in an instant.
With their methods?
Of course not,
I'll make him a nice dinner,
a bath...
Are you kidding me?
They hung us
upside down for three days.
We didn't see the light of day
for three months.
And you feel sorry for him?
Who said anything about pity?
Just because they used violence
doesn't mean we should too.
Will this never end?
Shiva, wake up.
You kidnapped him,
tied him up,
knocked him out.
What else is there to do?
I did it all.
I had no choice.
And now you do?
If he escapes,
we're all done for.
He didn't see us,
he's blindfolded.
He knows where I work.
Holy shit!
Congratulations, Vahid!
You act like a pro
taking the phones
and he knows where you work?
I can't believe it!
I didn't know
it would come to this.
What is it?
- What happened?
- I don't know.
The car died.
Excuse me.
Looks like you've done this your whole life.
Your colleague shit himself!
Leave it to me.
What is it, my love?
Everything okay?
Any problem?
None.
The bride and groom put the cart
before the horse, it seems.
Are you a relative of the groom?
- The bride.
- Congratulations.
Ready.
40 liters, 120 tomans.
The pin is 1962.
- Should I add an extra zero?
- Why?
You have to share the joy.
I'll make a combo
for the wedding and the birth.
Isn't that a lot?
I'm kidding.
Is that good?
How long have you known him?
Met him today.
Shiva, don't bullshit me, who is he?
Why do you trust him?
Salar sent him.
Anyone who says Salar's name,
you trust?
I'm not a conman like you.
That has nothing to do with it.
You can tell he's one of them.
He's silent as a grave.
He knows everything about us.
And now he wants to split the group.
What do you mean?
He wants to extract information.
And what about Eghbal?
He's his accomplice, obviously.
Don't touch him.
Leave it to me.
What is it?
What happened? Are you okay?
Get up.
We're taking him.
Idiot! Get him!
Get him, Ali!
Stop, Hamid!
Stop!
What are you doing?
Forget it.
Maybe the dose was too strong
and he died.
I checked earlier,
we have to wait.
- Wait for what?
- For him to wake up.
What for?
Awake or not, let's bury him.
He has the right to know.
Seriously.
The silent majority
decided to opine.
Waited to see
which way the wind blew?
Well done.
Hey, idiot!
The guy heard your voice,
he'll find you in a second
and finish you,
you'll see.
Shiva, do you trust
Salar's friend?
Are you sure he won't snitch?
I guarantee at the first slap,
he sings.
And you, owner of the truth,
don't understand a fucking thing!
Only you understand?
Everyone has their opinion.
Look who's talking!
Of course, you found a good catch.
Do you think we don't know him?
Do you know how his daddy
was promoted suddenly,
like a rocket?
You are so childish.
Stop provoking everyone
to vent your anger.
Grow up a little.
Goli! Calm down.
Don't let him get to you.
Calm down?
Do you want me to stuff myself with pills
and live like a zombie?
Enough!
He'll say
it's pre-wedding jitters.
When I left prison, that trash
said I had collaborated.
So that my life out here
would be an even bigger prison.
I wish you were there...
to hear it from his mouth.
Look, Ali...
when I was arrested...
they blindfolded...
...my eyes.
They put me on a platform.
I heard a woman say:
"Do I put it on her?"
And then that bastard answered:
"Yes. But since she's young,
put the rope to the side
to break the neck quickly"
"so she suffers less."
I thought I was going to die
at any second.
I stayed like that for three hours.
And I heard his voice again.
He said:
"Take her down.
"She has to be deflowered first
to go straight to hell."
He said...
that if I was a virgin,
I would go to paradise.
That he would make my life
a hell on earth.
I wanted to tell you all this
before the wedding.
I was waiting for a chance.
So, Hamid,
want to hang me in his place?
- Stop it!
- Shut up!
You didn't spend an hour
blindfolded with that son of a bitch!
I held back until now,
but I can answer you!
I stopped expecting answers
a long time ago, playboy.
Since they switched our cells
dragging me naked across the floor.
What was your father doing at the time?
Selling dollars on the black market
to secure your future.
He did well for himself.
One day, these people
will have to explain themselves. All of them!
Right, Hamid.
Let that day come.
But that's not justice.
Don't talk to me about justice.
You disgust me.
When you abandoned me with nothing,
were you just?
What about the promise
to always stay together?
I didn't leave because of that.
You never had money
and you never will.
You confuse friends with enemies.
Don't make me laugh.
You guys are scared!
Bunch of cowards!
You're afraid
it will blow back on you.
You are so stupid!
Leave it to me!
It's for your own good!
You'll be avenged,
nice and non-violent.
I'm not talking about violence,
but crime, understand?
Shiva, we are at war!
This isn't a game anymore!
If you don't kill, you die!
Ali, Mr. Neutral!
Come help bury him,
so we can finish this.
Call me neutral, a snitch.
Call me whatever you want.
But the truth is that those
who were supposed to liberate us
kill our youth while praying.
Do you want us to kill him?
Please, spare me the speech.
Oh, shit...
From afar, you reminded me
of that play we watched.
Just with one tree...
"Waiting for Godot".
That's the one.
We are in exactly
the same situation.
You never listened to me.
But believe me,
it's up to us to take the reins.
It's no use waiting for a miracle.
You only think about revenge.
He didn't kill you...
Of course he did!
He did worse.
Those sons of bitches took
the best five years of my life.
He did that to a hundred people.
How many years is that in total?
The problem isn't an individual.
You confuse those following orders
with the system.
What fucking system?
You drive me crazy!
It was this scum
that created the system!
Do you think he just follows orders?
He is the root of evil!
Don't forget he wanted
to rape Goli!
He devoutly believes in the hell
he wanted to send us to.
Stop it!
50 years of endless speeches!
Do you want to kill him?
Get up!
Go on, kill him!
Give me the key.
Give me the key!
Give it to me
instead of staring at me like that!
Have you lost your mind?
Move, I'll open it.
Leave it!
Idiot!
It's in there!
- I had taken it...
- Open it.
Look.
Don't answer.
They'll track us instantly.
It's from his house.
Obviously. They call from a safe number
on purpose.
Don't answer.
Hello?
Okay.
Who was it?
The daughter crying.
The mother fainted in the kitchen.
Damn, it's a trap!
What trap?
We have one of theirs,
they set us up.
She was crying.
She wasn't faking.
Damn it!
I'm going to help.
Do whatever you want.
I'm going with you.
You're right. Me too.
Where are you going?
You could get caught.
Kidnapping a government agent
is no joke!
Are you coming or not, pretty boy?
It's here.
If it were a trap,
they'd be here already.
Wait a second, genius.
Answer it.
Answer and put it on speaker.
Hello? Daddy? Daddy?
Come quick.
I'm scared Mommy will die.
Daddy! Daddy!
Hello? Dad?
I'm going to check.
If you see anything strange,
run fast with the van.
Wait, I'm going with you.
Hello?
- Hi...
- Sweetie, can you open the door?
We are friends of your dad.
We came to help your mom.
Mommy...
Come here, angel, come here.
Don't cry, she'll be fine,
don't be afraid.
Do you want a little brother
or would you prefer a little sister?
I want my mom to get better.
Of course, my love,
don't worry.
Do you know what happened
to your dad's leg?
Will you shut up, Hamid?
Ma'am!
It's an emergency.
- What does she have?
- She's pregnant.
What's her name?
Azam Pourniaz.
Address?
Mohammadi Avenue...
Shahin Street, 39.
ID?
We didn't grab it. We left in a hurry.
Are you the husband?
No, the uncle.
The father has to be here, honey.
The father is busy,
We tried to call him...
You're not going to let her die.
It's the law, sir.
The father must be present.
What do you mean?
What if I found her on the street?
Take care of this!
What happened?
Tell me.
Doctor,
we don't have the documents
for admission.
How many months?
She fainted, fell
and hasn't woken up.
- Is it the first child?
- Yes.
Second pregnancy?
That's right.
- Does she have any illness?
- No.
It's urgent, her water broke.
Sort everything out, I'll take her
under my responsibility.
- Thank you.
- Quickly.
Sir!
Do you have a bank card?
- Yes.
- Pay at the reception.
- Where is the reception?
- Over there.
Here.
Your card.
Sure.
Take this one.
Want some?
I'm not hungry. Go ahead.
- Niloufar?
- Yes?
Can I ask you something?
Yes.
Don't you have an aunt or uncle
we could call?
Yes, but...
dad said not to call
anyone but him.
I can't call
other people.
Mom's family
lives in the countryside.
I can't call.
About Mrs.
Pourniaz...
Yes?
Congratulations, princess.
You have a little brother.
Beautiful just like you.
Can I see him?
Of course you can.
Does your uncle know how to give gifts
or just make a scene?
- What?
- Nothing.
Don't move, I'll be right back.
Sit there.
Go ahead.
Thank you very much.
- Was it born?
- Yes.
That's good.
- And?
- It's a boy. The mother is fine.
Good news!
Mission accomplished,
you must be proud.
Do you have cash?
No.
What for?
I can't believe it.
Are you going to pay for them too?
The sweets are customary
and the nurse wants a tip.
Forget it.
You've done enough.
I can't leave
the girl alone.
Do you have a card?
Yes.
Withdraw 200 tomans each,
I'll manage.
No chance. I'm staying here.
Go do your good deed.
Okay, as you wish.
Ah, I get it...
Him, I understand.
He doesn't know me, the van is his.
But you guys
don't trust me?
It's not that.
We prefer to be careful.
See, even out cold,
that trash
causes discord among us.
Even dead,
they harm humanity.
Come with us.
Where?
Celebrate the birth
of that scumbag's cub?
It's just a baby who was just born!
He's not to blame.
So what? He'll be worse than his father.
And what about all the abortions
in prison...
nobody talks about that?
Friends, when they fall,
you will have to answer for this.
They think they speak to God
and hide behind Sharia.
But you?
Will you be able to answer for your weakness?
I'm sure not.
Since early today
I knew you were useless.
I'm wasting my time.
In the end,
the biggest idiot here is me.
Can you stop?
Are you going to fight with us
to get your way?
How absurd!
You abandon me,
then you come looking...
and now you make me feel useless.
What did I do?
You didn't call me
when my mom died.
- What?
- You abandoned me.
You are a coward.
You run when there's trouble.
Of course!
You're the one who makes me run!
Your behavior,
your decisions!
I'm disgusted by you!
Enough, I'm leaving.
He really left.
Shiva, coming?
Congratulations to the newlyweds.
Thank you.
All the best to you.
Sorry to ruin your day.
I ask for forgiveness.
Better to part ways now.
Try to convince Goli.
It will be easier now.
She vented, she's better.
But what will you do with him?
I don't know exactly.
But don't worry.
Whatever happens,
I will never rat you out.
Vahid, take this.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Still here?
I wasn't going to leave you hanging.
Or you don't trust me.
I don't know.
Or I promised Salar.
I didn't think you were capable of this.
Why?
You said
you were against violence.
I'm not a coward.
If I didn't do it, he would kill you.
For the love of God, let me go.
I recognize your expressions!
When you beat us, you swore
you felt pity!
Do you know what you did to me,
you trash?
What were you avenging?
We were just workers
asking for our rights.
We were dying of hunger.
- No salary for 8 months.
- What are you talking about?
Why did you destroy our lives?
I worked like a slave
in that factory all my life,
to support my family.
You turned me
into trash like you!
What craziness is this?
Let me go.
Shut up! Craziness?
I, who wouldn't kill a fly,
dug your grave today.
You would already be buried.
If I were sure,
you'd be in there already.
I have nothing to do with this.
You are mistaken.
Shut up. Listen closely.
I guarantee lying
won't help.
If I were who you think I am,
you would already be dead.
Let me go, I'm telling you.
You killed me a hundred times.
Forgot?
I am a living dead.
When you put the rope around my neck,
you killed me.
What rope?
Why would I do that?
You put it on,
kicked the stool
and I pissed myself.
I have nothing to do with this!
You said: "Your fiance died,
think of another."
And she committed suicide
because of you!
What do I have to do
with your fiance?
If it were me, I would have killed you.
She killed herself because of you,
scumbag!
- It's not me, I said...
- I'm going to kill you!
Come here.
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Come here.
I have a family too,
I understand you.
I'm not that person.
Let me go.
Give it up.
You talk to me about family?
You used to bring families
to the prison gate
to extract confessions!
How dare you?
What prisoners?
What prisoners?!
State your last wish, it's over!
For your wife, daughter, son,
say whatever you want!
Why are you hitting me?
You can see it's a mistake.
I don't have a son.
I only have a daughter.
You've been torturing me since morning
over a misunderstanding.
Let me go.
I don't have a son.
Are you sure?
No son?
Your son was just born.
He was born?
I was the one who took
your wife to the hospital.
You bastard!
Bastard!
Did you touch my wife,
you animal?
I'm going to kill you,
you filthy pig!
I'm going to kill you!
Shut up, you imbecile!
Not everyone
is like you!
I didn't touch your wife!
I took her to the hospital.
She was lying
in the trunk where you slept!
She survived.
Is she okay?
- Did you see her?
- Yes.
Was she okay?
She's fine.
But I'm going to deprive you of her.
You'll be dying to see her,
you bastard.
I'll tell you something.
You are not a killer.
Otherwise you wouldn't have taken care of her.
Think about it.
Listen to what I'm going to tell you.
I'm not saying this out of fear of dying.
But because you took her
to the hospital.
Listen...
Be honest...
Where are you?
What is your name?
Answer me.
See what happens?
- Shut up.
- You shut up!
You blindfolded us...
I will find you.
I'll recognize you by your voice.
You're wasting your time.
Okay,
you're tough.
You found out, I'm Eghbal.
Alias One-Leg.
So what?
So? What are you going to do?
- Is it you?
- Do whatever you want!
I'm going to strangle you!
Trash!
It's me, One-Legged Eghbal!
I'd give my life for the regime,
you poor bastard!
I lost my leg in Syria.
I sacrificed for the regime,
for our Supreme Leader.
See?
Nothing is more important to me.
And now, what will you do?
Do you think we'll let
suckers like you
endanger the regime
because of late wages?
Is that it?
You are very mistaken.
We had thousands of martyrs,
of wounded.
It wasn't to...
To let you act.
To let you hand us over
to the enemy.
It doesn't work like that.
Listen to me and shut up.
- Shut up!
- You shut up.
Listen closely.
If you committed a crime,
you have to pay for it.
If you are innocent,
justice will be done in heaven.
Understood? It's simple.
So that's how it is,
you talk just like the Islamic State?
They killed innocents
and said:
"If they were guilty,
served them right,
"if not, they go to paradise."
Bunch of bastards!
It doesn't matter what you do,
who you talk to,
what you believe in, I don't care!
If I get out of here
and find my family
safe and sound,
I'll leave you alone.
I'll close my eyes and ears.
And if I die...
I fulfill my dream of being a martyr.
I have nothing left to say.
State your last wish,
I'm going to bury you.
I'm going to kill you.
You trash!
What are you doing, Shiva?
Scumbag, dream of being a martyr?
Who is it? How many are there?
- Dream of dying?
- Don't touch me.
- Shut up!
- Don't touch me!
Want to be a martyr?
I am the angel of death,
I came to fulfill your dream.
Scumbag,
you said you wouldn't speak anymore.
Shut up.
You shut up.
You can only express regret,
nothing else.
You trash,
if you say one more word,
I'll break your face
with the shovel.
- What are you...
- Shut up!
Shut up!
You can only say
that you are a piece of shit!
Understand? Shut up.
You trash.
- Still think you're an interrogator?
- Yes.
That's right, you piece of shit.
You are nothing.
You are a piece of shit, understand?
- Understand, trash?
- Little shit.
You're the little shit.
You are a pile of shit.
It's you, understand?
Fight for the regime?
Think the country belongs to you?
Fight for the Supreme Leader?
You damn fool.
Is the embezzlement
our fault?
And you plunder the country.
You bastard.
Do you think I'm going to let
you escape like this?
To destroy the lives of others
like you did mine?
I know your disgusting voice well.
The only thing it can say
is that you are a piece of shit.
You asked how much I charged
to lift my hijab on a stick.
You made your prosthetic creak
on purpose
to brag about your deeds in Syria.
Remember?
With that filthy mouth,
you whispered in my ear:
"How many dollars
to get naked?"
You're going to be a martyr.
I will fulfill your dream.
I'll send you to space.
Your voice has echoed
in my head for a long time.
Say you repent, trash.
- I repent.
- Say it.
No, not like that!
You said my voice had to be
recorded in prison.
Now it's yours
that will be recorded in the earth!
I repent.
You said you'd leave me naked.
It is you that your son will see naked.
In a photo,
since you'll be a martyr.
Say you repent.
- I repent.
- Louder.
Louder!
I repent!
- You piece of shit!
- I repent!
I repent!
You piece of shit!
I swear I'm like you guys.
I needed to survive.
I repent.
When you didn't confess,
I felt humiliated.
I thought you were
mocking me.
Like when I was little.
I swear.
I swear I repent.
Let me see my son,
I beg you.
I had a guilty conscience,
but I ended up getting used to it.
I want to see my son.
I repent.
I repent.
Give me your hands.
Your phone and documents are there.
I'll leave a box cutter
for you to free yourself.
The road is a 15-minute walk.
Omid, everything okay?
That was very kind of you.
Sorry to bother you.
Don't mention it.
- Want me to bring something?
- No, thanks.
Leave it there, mom.
- I can do it.
- No!
Give me that, I'm telling you.
- Hi, how are you?
- Good, and you?
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Come in.
- No, thank you.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Thanks.
You didn't buy everything.
Things are missing.
What kind of trousseau is this?
I did it all alone, mom.
Tell her.
This is ridiculous.
I did what I could.
Don't embarrass me
in front of my friend.
Go serve the tea. It'll be fine.
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
PALME D'OR 2025
That was a beautiful flip.
He's definitely going to be a gymnast.
Dance, mom.
Make my little brother dance.
Come on, dad, dance.
But dad, why did you turn it down?
It's not good.
The noise bothers people.
What people?
Seriously
Do you see anyone here?
At home, we have to respect the neighbors.
But we don't have neighbors!
And nobody ever comes to our house.
Mom?
Tell him to turn it up.
Come on, dad, turn up the volume.
There, you can dance now.
What was that?
I don't know.
Don't be afraid, honey.
Don't be afraid.
Hand me a tissue.
Niloufar,
stay away from the window.
Thank God, we're safe.
Turn it off.
Dad killed him.
I didn't even see it.
He jumped in front of the car.
Honey, there are no lights on this road.
These animals end up getting run over.
It was just an accident.
Whatever will be, will be.
God didn't put him
in our path for no reason.
He killed a dog.
God has nothing to do with this.
It wasn't his fault.
He didn't do it on purpose.
Another sign.
Translation and Editing:
Enthusiast
Palme d'Or Winner
It Was Just an Accident
A film by Jafar Panahi
Is it the belt?
I don't know.
Try again.
Go.
Again.
Stop, it's no use.
Excuse me.
Is there a mechanic around here?
About two kilometers away.
That's too far. My car broke down
and I'm with my family.
Is there one closer?
Can I call them?
I don't have the number.
Alright, thanks.
Sir...
I can try to fix it.
I'd appreciate that.
Rahim, we're friends.
If you ever have trouble,
you can count on me.
That's right.
- Omid!
- What?
Don't hang up.
I'll talk to you in a second.
What happened?
A family's car broke down.
I'm going to try to help.
Are you still there, Rahim?
Can you hear me?
When are you returning the van?
I have to be there in an hour.
It's always like this.
Since the client isn't there,
just bring the goods.
Yeah.
I have to deliver the trousseau.
It's urgent. Hurry up.
Wait, someone's calling.
I'll talk to you later.
Hi, mom, are you okay?
Who turned on the light?
Omid!
Did you turn it on?
Omid?
Sorry,
I wanted to turn on the bathroom light.
I made a mistake.
Turn it off.
It's the other switch.
Okay, sorry.
My bad, mom.
It was a customer.
Did you have dinner?
Why?
Go ahead and eat, I'm coming.
Mom, the van isn't mine.
Okay.
I can't go now, mommy.
Yes, I bought it.
Exactly what you asked for.
A foreign brand.
Yes.
Don't worry, there will be everything.
Anything else?
Love you.
See you later.
What's his name?
Vahid.
Vahid?
Vahid?
Vahid?
Yes?
Omid needs
the toolbox.
Go through that door,
on the right, there's the
tool cupboard.
Through there?
Yes.
Thank you very much.
Start the car.
I rigged it up.
It's temporary.
- Thank you very much.
- You're welcome.
- What?
- The key!
- What for?
- It's urgent.
What about your sister's trousseau?
Meet me with the van later.
Don't forget my clothes.
Watch out for the motorcycle!
Got it.
Get out of there.
What the fuck is this?
Shut up, you piece of shit.
Shut your mouth.
Stop moving.
- I'm going to bury you.
- No!
Damn it.
What are you doing?
Stop!
Stop! I can't breathe!
Don't do this! Stop!
I have a family.
Don't do this!
Is this your real name?
Rashid Shahsavari.
Yes, that's me.
Look, take my card.
The pin is 1329.
Withdraw whatever you want.
Wasn't Eghbal a good name?
It's shorter, sounds better.
Stop!
Who is Eghbal?
Shut up, you son of a bitch!
You were the one who used to say that.
Remember?
You said:
"If your mother wasn't a whore,
she wouldn't have birthed
a piece of shit like you."
Well, you piece of shit?
Did you forget Eghbal?
One-legged Eghbal.
Do you remember now?
You will remember.
I've never heard that name!
Who is it?
Don't play dumb.
Do you think this miserable life
made me forget everything?
That I wouldn't recognize you?
Did you think just blindfolding us
and sitting us facing the wall
would make us not recognize you?
Even with our eyes covered,
our ears still worked.
The sound of your steps...
I'd recognize the sound of that prosthetic
anywhere.
That horrible sound
still echoes in my head.
Do you think I'm an idiot?
All these years
I've been tortured by that memory.
You bastard.
You ruined my life!
Years? I lost my leg
last year in an accident!
Stop!
You'll see!
I swear!
Look for yourself!
Look at my scars!
You'll see they are recent!
I have a doctor's appointment today.
Look for yourself.
Look.
Please, stop.
I can't breathe.
Don't pull!
It's a prosthetic!
Pull up my pants.
You'll see...
Don't pull!
Does that look like an old scar?
Where did you go?
Get me out of here.
Come on, I'm suffocating.
Get me out of here.
Come on, I beg you.
Quick, I'm suffocating.
What did I do to deserve this?
Get me out of here!
- Hello. How are you?
- Good, and you?
- Is Salar in?
- Yes, upstairs.
Hi, Salar.
- Vahid! How are you?
- Good.
And you?
I'm good, thanks.
Where have you been, man?
How's the kidney?
It's manageable.
Sit down.
- Am I interrupting?
- What brings you here?
Since you come on Tuesdays, I showed up.
I preferred not to call.
It's important.
Before anything else...
Did you go to the doctor?
I made several appointments for you.
You have to take care of that kidney.
They always called you "Jug,"
but holding your back like that,
you really look like one.
I was busy, but I'll go.
Look at this...
Here.
Whose is this?
It's that one-legged bastard's.
Where did you find this?
I ended up finding him.
I ran him over.
He's in the trunk.
Have you gone crazy, Vahid?
Relax, he's alive.
I need you
because I have doubts.
Tell me if it's really him.
Come with me.
What got into you?
Did you think about the consequences?
I didn't know what to do.
When I saw the guy, I saw red.
Do you know what he did to me,
that son of a bitch?
He took everything from me.
My honor, my wife, my job.
I have nothing left!
I even dug a hole
to bury him alive.
But he made me doubt.
He says he's not Eghbal.
I just wanted you to help me
identify the guy.
This doesn't seem like you.
We aren't murderers.
We aren't like them.
You don't need to dig their grave.
They dig it themselves.
Don't do things
that betray your principles.
Look, I didn't come here
to hear a sermon.
I'm past that phase.
I already started this,
now I have to finish it.
Just tell me one thing:
is it him or not?
Even if it is him, do you think
you'll get away with killing him?
Salar,
in the worst moments of my life,
you were there, you supported me.
I will never forget that.
If you don't want to help,
I won't be upset.
I'll do what I have to do.
Forget it, Vahid.
What is it?
Call this number.
Do exactly
what the woman says.
Okay.
Turn right.
You have arrived at your destination.
That's it, smile, Goli.
Sorry, just a moment.
Watch out for the train.
- I have to answer.
- No problem.
Hello?
Hi, Maryam. How are you?
Yes, the whole series is ready.
I'll send it to you tonight.
Excuse me...
The wedding is tomorrow.
We're taking the photos now.
The retouching is done.
You will have...
Of course, don't worry.
Make your choice.
Just don't cause us any trouble.
Right.
Yes, that's great.
Agreed.
Thanks, kisses.
See you later.
Hello, are you here?
Let's take a few more photos
in front of that brick building.
It's good to change the scenery
once in a while.
Like I said,
I'm swamped with work.
I'm only listening to you
because Salar sent you here.
Isn't that Goli?
Who was imprisoned with you?
Can we step out for two minutes?
What for?
Speak here.
It's a bit delicate.
I can't talk here.
I have a lot to do, sir.
You can see that, right?
Go outside, I'll go there
when I'm done. Thank you.
I found One-Leg.
You called him "The Lame One," I think.
Who are you, anyway?
I was arrested two weeks
after you.
Accused of propaganda
against the regime and conspiracy.
I read your file.
I need your help.
I just need you to confirm if it's him.
Is he here?
Yes. No need to be afraid.
He can't talk or move.
He's in the trunk of the van.
Did you kill him?
No, the bastard is alive.
I want your help
to identify him.
I can't help you with that.
Salar made a huge mistake
sending you here.
I'm getting back to
a normal life now.
And she's busy with
preparations for the wedding tomorrow.
Go away, please.
He beat me so much that I hold
my back all the time.
What do I look like?
They call me Jug.
I want to finish him,
but I need your confirmation.
I don't care what they call you.
I can't do anything for you.
Go away or I'll have you removed.
Go on, get lost.
Sorry, everyone.
So, how are we doing?
Ali, over here.
Goli on the other side.
That's it, that looks good...
It's too black on black here.
Go back to how you were.
That's good.
Good...
Look at the bride.
I'm going to make a call.
I'll be right back.
Hello?
Hi, Salar.
He's in the van.
Shiva, don't say anything.
Why?
He might hear us.
We'll talk later, okay?
Are you sure it's him?
No.
If I was, I wouldn't be here.
- And then?
- What do you mean?
Even if it is, what are you going to do?
Leave it to me,
don't worry.
I won't make things complicated for you.
- But is it him?
- I don't know!
I was blindfolded
the whole time.
Shiva...
Go out.
- Yes, dear?
- Who is it? What does he want?
Hello, brother.
How are you?
We're getting married, we came to take pictures.
Nothing illegal.
The party is tomorrow.
You know what I mean.
I have something for you.
Ali?
What did you say to him?
Tell me what he wants.
Relax. He just came to tell me something.
You look disturbed.
Get in.
He brought One-Leg.
- Who?
- What?
One-Leg.
Goli...
Bring water!
Don't be like that...
Goli, calm down, it's nothing.
Get in.
It's okay.
Goli!
Goli!
Where is that bastard?
Calm down!
He'll hear us!
Open this!
Shut up!
Where did you find him?
I don't know who you are,
or what you want.
Why are you disturbing Goli?
If something happens to her,
you'll pay.
Ali, stop. Get in.
Understood?
We don't know if it's him. Go away.
Are you kidding?
That trash destroyed my life.
Until I'm sure,
I'm not leaving.
I told you to leave.
Why cause trouble?
Open the door.
I need a good look.
Not you.
The smell of sweat reminds me of him.
- But...
- What?
Only Hamid can identify him.
Shiva, you're not bringing that crazy guy!
We're going to him.
Goli barely recovered.
We can't risk it.
Then why did you come out?
Look, I have nothing to lose.
But Goli is very fragile.
Only Hamid can help...
Who is Hamid?
- He's one of the...
- What are we waiting for?
Come here.
They're waiting for us at home.
Give me my phone.
Let's go!
Hi, mom.
I'm fine.
We're going to take more photos
with Ali and Shiva.
That's right.
No, but tonight...
Don't worry.
I'll be late.
Okay. Kisses.
Satisfied?
Shall we go?
Okay. But first,
give me your phones.
Turned off.
Get in.
Go straight.
Nice photoshoot.
We already took plenty.
Stop it.
What a nightmare.
You just complain all the time.
Stop it.
I don't understand...
- Hello.
- Hi, how are you?
Hello.
- Vahid, Abolfazl.
- Nice to meet you.
- Is the doctor in?
- Yes, come in.
I wanted to see him.
Sure.
- Health improved?
- Yes, thank you.
- And you?
- All good.
Thanks, bye.
You're welcome, bye.
Hamid is going to make a scene.
I got earplugs
for One-Leg.
And this to make him sleep.
Is this safe?
Yes. Hamid mentioned it
and a friend explained how to use it.
We can't kill him.
Please, excuse me.
- What is it?
- Give them some cash.
Here.
- Just this?
- Yes.
We're out of cash.
Park next to the pickup truck.
There he is.
He's not right in the head!
Where are you going?
They're over there!
Quick, get in.
- Why are you doing this?
- Let's go somewhere quiet.
Why do you always treat me like this?
Dear Hamid,
it's serious.
Since when did I become "Dear Hamid"?
Shut up, Hamid!
Tell me where we can
talk in peace.
Go straight,
then first right.
You son of a bitch!
Hamid!
It's him!
It's this trash!
Let me go! Let me go!
Hamid, shut up
or I'll throw you out.
I swear it's him!
It's the shitty leg
he lost in Syria!
He took his anger out
on guys like me!
For five years, in my nightmares,
I touch his leg.
Let me go!
We need to be sure...
Sure of what?
He made me touch
his rotten leg, blindfolded,
to show off his deeds
in that holy war bullshit!
- Let me go!
- Calm down.
Did he confess he's Eghbal?
What do you mean, confessed?
Did you talk to him?
Before knocking him out, yes.
You're all crazy, seriously!
Do you think he'll confess?
One slip up
and he hangs us!
If we let him,
he'll screw us over again.
Unless he confesses...
I'll make him talk!
Nobody touches him
until he confesses it's him.
Where did this idiot come from?
How many guys have their right leg
cut off at the same height
and the left
with the same scars?
Shut up, he's Salar's friend.
That explains it!
That coward Salar!
- Let me go!
- Get out!
Let me go, I'm telling you!
Give me a minute.
Don't be like that.
Why are you yelling?
He's going to have an attack.
If he yells like that,
they'll hear.
Is this a robbery or what?
No way,
we're joking, we're friends.
Do we look like bandits?
No, but there are strange noises
and the van is shaking.
- Feeling better, Hamid?
- He's our friend.
What's going on in there?
Nothing. It's nothing.
What are you doing?
Talking to these gentlemen.
Hello, how are you?
I'm a wedding photographer.
We came to take some photos.
- Here?
- The view is beautiful.
- Do you have permission?
- Permission?
- Yes.
- For wedding photos?
- Of course.
- Are you crazy?
Robbery, disturbance...
They're just security guards...
- It was a joke.
- I understand.
He's not right in the head... Goli!
There's nothing to see.
We're just looking.
Let's go to the other side,
the view is better.
Quickly.
Goli, give us a smile.
Ali, move over there.
I'll take just Goli.
- We interrupted you.
- Not at all.
Let's go.
Let's go.
- Aren't you going to give us anything?
- What?
What does he want now?
Your friend isn't well.
- Are you a doctor?
- Forgive him.
I have no cash,
maybe next time.
Planning to get married again?
Excuse me?
Do you have money?
I have a card machine.
Here.
Done.
- Isn't that a lot?
- Don't be a cheapskate.
Go on.
Everyone out, please.
What?
I bothered you for nothing.
I'll continue alone.
I don't want to upset you
with my problems.
Oh yeah?
Is it your problem?
Until I finish
this bastard,
I'm not leaving.
I'm fine here, thanks.
I won't repeat myself.
If you don't get out,
I'm not moving!
Same here.
And I won't repeat myself.
We're leaving.
Come, honey.
Where?
He's right
and we have a lot to do.
Are you serious?
He found the guy.
Let him do what he wants.
If you want to go, go.
Without you? Are you crazy?
Of course I'm crazy!
Even if it's him
and we leave him with you,
what will you do?
This is a quagmire, honey.
The more you stir, the deeper you sink.
It will end badly for everyone.
Forget this. Come with me.
This happened before I met you.
It has to end sometime.
And the time is now.
Let me handle this.
We're getting married.
What do you mean, you handle it?
Listen closely. This trash has to talk
whatever the cost.
Otherwise, I won't be alive
for the wedding tomorrow.
Goli, I'm speaking
for your own good.
I know.
Can I have a cigarette?
What do you intend to do?
I don't know exactly.
Are you always like this?
Act first and think later?
Why do you say that?
It's just how it is.
In the heat of the moment,
you make a rash decision...
But then you get real.
That's good.
I thought you had stopped smoking.
Of course, after flirting,
the temptation is great.
Relax, I'll be serious now.
Your problem is that
the guy hasn't confessed, right?
If we go to a quiet place,
I swear on my mother
that I'll extract a confession
in an instant.
With their methods?
Of course not,
I'll make him a nice dinner,
a bath...
Are you kidding me?
They hung us
upside down for three days.
We didn't see the light of day
for three months.
And you feel sorry for him?
Who said anything about pity?
Just because they used violence
doesn't mean we should too.
Will this never end?
Shiva, wake up.
You kidnapped him,
tied him up,
knocked him out.
What else is there to do?
I did it all.
I had no choice.
And now you do?
If he escapes,
we're all done for.
He didn't see us,
he's blindfolded.
He knows where I work.
Holy shit!
Congratulations, Vahid!
You act like a pro
taking the phones
and he knows where you work?
I can't believe it!
I didn't know
it would come to this.
What is it?
- What happened?
- I don't know.
The car died.
Excuse me.
Looks like you've done this your whole life.
Your colleague shit himself!
Leave it to me.
What is it, my love?
Everything okay?
Any problem?
None.
The bride and groom put the cart
before the horse, it seems.
Are you a relative of the groom?
- The bride.
- Congratulations.
Ready.
40 liters, 120 tomans.
The pin is 1962.
- Should I add an extra zero?
- Why?
You have to share the joy.
I'll make a combo
for the wedding and the birth.
Isn't that a lot?
I'm kidding.
Is that good?
How long have you known him?
Met him today.
Shiva, don't bullshit me, who is he?
Why do you trust him?
Salar sent him.
Anyone who says Salar's name,
you trust?
I'm not a conman like you.
That has nothing to do with it.
You can tell he's one of them.
He's silent as a grave.
He knows everything about us.
And now he wants to split the group.
What do you mean?
He wants to extract information.
And what about Eghbal?
He's his accomplice, obviously.
Don't touch him.
Leave it to me.
What is it?
What happened? Are you okay?
Get up.
We're taking him.
Idiot! Get him!
Get him, Ali!
Stop, Hamid!
Stop!
What are you doing?
Forget it.
Maybe the dose was too strong
and he died.
I checked earlier,
we have to wait.
- Wait for what?
- For him to wake up.
What for?
Awake or not, let's bury him.
He has the right to know.
Seriously.
The silent majority
decided to opine.
Waited to see
which way the wind blew?
Well done.
Hey, idiot!
The guy heard your voice,
he'll find you in a second
and finish you,
you'll see.
Shiva, do you trust
Salar's friend?
Are you sure he won't snitch?
I guarantee at the first slap,
he sings.
And you, owner of the truth,
don't understand a fucking thing!
Only you understand?
Everyone has their opinion.
Look who's talking!
Of course, you found a good catch.
Do you think we don't know him?
Do you know how his daddy
was promoted suddenly,
like a rocket?
You are so childish.
Stop provoking everyone
to vent your anger.
Grow up a little.
Goli! Calm down.
Don't let him get to you.
Calm down?
Do you want me to stuff myself with pills
and live like a zombie?
Enough!
He'll say
it's pre-wedding jitters.
When I left prison, that trash
said I had collaborated.
So that my life out here
would be an even bigger prison.
I wish you were there...
to hear it from his mouth.
Look, Ali...
when I was arrested...
they blindfolded...
...my eyes.
They put me on a platform.
I heard a woman say:
"Do I put it on her?"
And then that bastard answered:
"Yes. But since she's young,
put the rope to the side
to break the neck quickly"
"so she suffers less."
I thought I was going to die
at any second.
I stayed like that for three hours.
And I heard his voice again.
He said:
"Take her down.
"She has to be deflowered first
to go straight to hell."
He said...
that if I was a virgin,
I would go to paradise.
That he would make my life
a hell on earth.
I wanted to tell you all this
before the wedding.
I was waiting for a chance.
So, Hamid,
want to hang me in his place?
- Stop it!
- Shut up!
You didn't spend an hour
blindfolded with that son of a bitch!
I held back until now,
but I can answer you!
I stopped expecting answers
a long time ago, playboy.
Since they switched our cells
dragging me naked across the floor.
What was your father doing at the time?
Selling dollars on the black market
to secure your future.
He did well for himself.
One day, these people
will have to explain themselves. All of them!
Right, Hamid.
Let that day come.
But that's not justice.
Don't talk to me about justice.
You disgust me.
When you abandoned me with nothing,
were you just?
What about the promise
to always stay together?
I didn't leave because of that.
You never had money
and you never will.
You confuse friends with enemies.
Don't make me laugh.
You guys are scared!
Bunch of cowards!
You're afraid
it will blow back on you.
You are so stupid!
Leave it to me!
It's for your own good!
You'll be avenged,
nice and non-violent.
I'm not talking about violence,
but crime, understand?
Shiva, we are at war!
This isn't a game anymore!
If you don't kill, you die!
Ali, Mr. Neutral!
Come help bury him,
so we can finish this.
Call me neutral, a snitch.
Call me whatever you want.
But the truth is that those
who were supposed to liberate us
kill our youth while praying.
Do you want us to kill him?
Please, spare me the speech.
Oh, shit...
From afar, you reminded me
of that play we watched.
Just with one tree...
"Waiting for Godot".
That's the one.
We are in exactly
the same situation.
You never listened to me.
But believe me,
it's up to us to take the reins.
It's no use waiting for a miracle.
You only think about revenge.
He didn't kill you...
Of course he did!
He did worse.
Those sons of bitches took
the best five years of my life.
He did that to a hundred people.
How many years is that in total?
The problem isn't an individual.
You confuse those following orders
with the system.
What fucking system?
You drive me crazy!
It was this scum
that created the system!
Do you think he just follows orders?
He is the root of evil!
Don't forget he wanted
to rape Goli!
He devoutly believes in the hell
he wanted to send us to.
Stop it!
50 years of endless speeches!
Do you want to kill him?
Get up!
Go on, kill him!
Give me the key.
Give me the key!
Give it to me
instead of staring at me like that!
Have you lost your mind?
Move, I'll open it.
Leave it!
Idiot!
It's in there!
- I had taken it...
- Open it.
Look.
Don't answer.
They'll track us instantly.
It's from his house.
Obviously. They call from a safe number
on purpose.
Don't answer.
Hello?
Okay.
Who was it?
The daughter crying.
The mother fainted in the kitchen.
Damn, it's a trap!
What trap?
We have one of theirs,
they set us up.
She was crying.
She wasn't faking.
Damn it!
I'm going to help.
Do whatever you want.
I'm going with you.
You're right. Me too.
Where are you going?
You could get caught.
Kidnapping a government agent
is no joke!
Are you coming or not, pretty boy?
It's here.
If it were a trap,
they'd be here already.
Wait a second, genius.
Answer it.
Answer and put it on speaker.
Hello? Daddy? Daddy?
Come quick.
I'm scared Mommy will die.
Daddy! Daddy!
Hello? Dad?
I'm going to check.
If you see anything strange,
run fast with the van.
Wait, I'm going with you.
Hello?
- Hi...
- Sweetie, can you open the door?
We are friends of your dad.
We came to help your mom.
Mommy...
Come here, angel, come here.
Don't cry, she'll be fine,
don't be afraid.
Do you want a little brother
or would you prefer a little sister?
I want my mom to get better.
Of course, my love,
don't worry.
Do you know what happened
to your dad's leg?
Will you shut up, Hamid?
Ma'am!
It's an emergency.
- What does she have?
- She's pregnant.
What's her name?
Azam Pourniaz.
Address?
Mohammadi Avenue...
Shahin Street, 39.
ID?
We didn't grab it. We left in a hurry.
Are you the husband?
No, the uncle.
The father has to be here, honey.
The father is busy,
We tried to call him...
You're not going to let her die.
It's the law, sir.
The father must be present.
What do you mean?
What if I found her on the street?
Take care of this!
What happened?
Tell me.
Doctor,
we don't have the documents
for admission.
How many months?
She fainted, fell
and hasn't woken up.
- Is it the first child?
- Yes.
Second pregnancy?
That's right.
- Does she have any illness?
- No.
It's urgent, her water broke.
Sort everything out, I'll take her
under my responsibility.
- Thank you.
- Quickly.
Sir!
Do you have a bank card?
- Yes.
- Pay at the reception.
- Where is the reception?
- Over there.
Here.
Your card.
Sure.
Take this one.
Want some?
I'm not hungry. Go ahead.
- Niloufar?
- Yes?
Can I ask you something?
Yes.
Don't you have an aunt or uncle
we could call?
Yes, but...
dad said not to call
anyone but him.
I can't call
other people.
Mom's family
lives in the countryside.
I can't call.
About Mrs.
Pourniaz...
Yes?
Congratulations, princess.
You have a little brother.
Beautiful just like you.
Can I see him?
Of course you can.
Does your uncle know how to give gifts
or just make a scene?
- What?
- Nothing.
Don't move, I'll be right back.
Sit there.
Go ahead.
Thank you very much.
- Was it born?
- Yes.
That's good.
- And?
- It's a boy. The mother is fine.
Good news!
Mission accomplished,
you must be proud.
Do you have cash?
No.
What for?
I can't believe it.
Are you going to pay for them too?
The sweets are customary
and the nurse wants a tip.
Forget it.
You've done enough.
I can't leave
the girl alone.
Do you have a card?
Yes.
Withdraw 200 tomans each,
I'll manage.
No chance. I'm staying here.
Go do your good deed.
Okay, as you wish.
Ah, I get it...
Him, I understand.
He doesn't know me, the van is his.
But you guys
don't trust me?
It's not that.
We prefer to be careful.
See, even out cold,
that trash
causes discord among us.
Even dead,
they harm humanity.
Come with us.
Where?
Celebrate the birth
of that scumbag's cub?
It's just a baby who was just born!
He's not to blame.
So what? He'll be worse than his father.
And what about all the abortions
in prison...
nobody talks about that?
Friends, when they fall,
you will have to answer for this.
They think they speak to God
and hide behind Sharia.
But you?
Will you be able to answer for your weakness?
I'm sure not.
Since early today
I knew you were useless.
I'm wasting my time.
In the end,
the biggest idiot here is me.
Can you stop?
Are you going to fight with us
to get your way?
How absurd!
You abandon me,
then you come looking...
and now you make me feel useless.
What did I do?
You didn't call me
when my mom died.
- What?
- You abandoned me.
You are a coward.
You run when there's trouble.
Of course!
You're the one who makes me run!
Your behavior,
your decisions!
I'm disgusted by you!
Enough, I'm leaving.
He really left.
Shiva, coming?
Congratulations to the newlyweds.
Thank you.
All the best to you.
Sorry to ruin your day.
I ask for forgiveness.
Better to part ways now.
Try to convince Goli.
It will be easier now.
She vented, she's better.
But what will you do with him?
I don't know exactly.
But don't worry.
Whatever happens,
I will never rat you out.
Vahid, take this.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Still here?
I wasn't going to leave you hanging.
Or you don't trust me.
I don't know.
Or I promised Salar.
I didn't think you were capable of this.
Why?
You said
you were against violence.
I'm not a coward.
If I didn't do it, he would kill you.
For the love of God, let me go.
I recognize your expressions!
When you beat us, you swore
you felt pity!
Do you know what you did to me,
you trash?
What were you avenging?
We were just workers
asking for our rights.
We were dying of hunger.
- No salary for 8 months.
- What are you talking about?
Why did you destroy our lives?
I worked like a slave
in that factory all my life,
to support my family.
You turned me
into trash like you!
What craziness is this?
Let me go.
Shut up! Craziness?
I, who wouldn't kill a fly,
dug your grave today.
You would already be buried.
If I were sure,
you'd be in there already.
I have nothing to do with this.
You are mistaken.
Shut up. Listen closely.
I guarantee lying
won't help.
If I were who you think I am,
you would already be dead.
Let me go, I'm telling you.
You killed me a hundred times.
Forgot?
I am a living dead.
When you put the rope around my neck,
you killed me.
What rope?
Why would I do that?
You put it on,
kicked the stool
and I pissed myself.
I have nothing to do with this!
You said: "Your fiance died,
think of another."
And she committed suicide
because of you!
What do I have to do
with your fiance?
If it were me, I would have killed you.
She killed herself because of you,
scumbag!
- It's not me, I said...
- I'm going to kill you!
Come here.
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Come here.
I have a family too,
I understand you.
I'm not that person.
Let me go.
Give it up.
You talk to me about family?
You used to bring families
to the prison gate
to extract confessions!
How dare you?
What prisoners?
What prisoners?!
State your last wish, it's over!
For your wife, daughter, son,
say whatever you want!
Why are you hitting me?
You can see it's a mistake.
I don't have a son.
I only have a daughter.
You've been torturing me since morning
over a misunderstanding.
Let me go.
I don't have a son.
Are you sure?
No son?
Your son was just born.
He was born?
I was the one who took
your wife to the hospital.
You bastard!
Bastard!
Did you touch my wife,
you animal?
I'm going to kill you,
you filthy pig!
I'm going to kill you!
Shut up, you imbecile!
Not everyone
is like you!
I didn't touch your wife!
I took her to the hospital.
She was lying
in the trunk where you slept!
She survived.
Is she okay?
- Did you see her?
- Yes.
Was she okay?
She's fine.
But I'm going to deprive you of her.
You'll be dying to see her,
you bastard.
I'll tell you something.
You are not a killer.
Otherwise you wouldn't have taken care of her.
Think about it.
Listen to what I'm going to tell you.
I'm not saying this out of fear of dying.
But because you took her
to the hospital.
Listen...
Be honest...
Where are you?
What is your name?
Answer me.
See what happens?
- Shut up.
- You shut up!
You blindfolded us...
I will find you.
I'll recognize you by your voice.
You're wasting your time.
Okay,
you're tough.
You found out, I'm Eghbal.
Alias One-Leg.
So what?
So? What are you going to do?
- Is it you?
- Do whatever you want!
I'm going to strangle you!
Trash!
It's me, One-Legged Eghbal!
I'd give my life for the regime,
you poor bastard!
I lost my leg in Syria.
I sacrificed for the regime,
for our Supreme Leader.
See?
Nothing is more important to me.
And now, what will you do?
Do you think we'll let
suckers like you
endanger the regime
because of late wages?
Is that it?
You are very mistaken.
We had thousands of martyrs,
of wounded.
It wasn't to...
To let you act.
To let you hand us over
to the enemy.
It doesn't work like that.
Listen to me and shut up.
- Shut up!
- You shut up.
Listen closely.
If you committed a crime,
you have to pay for it.
If you are innocent,
justice will be done in heaven.
Understood? It's simple.
So that's how it is,
you talk just like the Islamic State?
They killed innocents
and said:
"If they were guilty,
served them right,
"if not, they go to paradise."
Bunch of bastards!
It doesn't matter what you do,
who you talk to,
what you believe in, I don't care!
If I get out of here
and find my family
safe and sound,
I'll leave you alone.
I'll close my eyes and ears.
And if I die...
I fulfill my dream of being a martyr.
I have nothing left to say.
State your last wish,
I'm going to bury you.
I'm going to kill you.
You trash!
What are you doing, Shiva?
Scumbag, dream of being a martyr?
Who is it? How many are there?
- Dream of dying?
- Don't touch me.
- Shut up!
- Don't touch me!
Want to be a martyr?
I am the angel of death,
I came to fulfill your dream.
Scumbag,
you said you wouldn't speak anymore.
Shut up.
You shut up.
You can only express regret,
nothing else.
You trash,
if you say one more word,
I'll break your face
with the shovel.
- What are you...
- Shut up!
Shut up!
You can only say
that you are a piece of shit!
Understand? Shut up.
You trash.
- Still think you're an interrogator?
- Yes.
That's right, you piece of shit.
You are nothing.
You are a piece of shit, understand?
- Understand, trash?
- Little shit.
You're the little shit.
You are a pile of shit.
It's you, understand?
Fight for the regime?
Think the country belongs to you?
Fight for the Supreme Leader?
You damn fool.
Is the embezzlement
our fault?
And you plunder the country.
You bastard.
Do you think I'm going to let
you escape like this?
To destroy the lives of others
like you did mine?
I know your disgusting voice well.
The only thing it can say
is that you are a piece of shit.
You asked how much I charged
to lift my hijab on a stick.
You made your prosthetic creak
on purpose
to brag about your deeds in Syria.
Remember?
With that filthy mouth,
you whispered in my ear:
"How many dollars
to get naked?"
You're going to be a martyr.
I will fulfill your dream.
I'll send you to space.
Your voice has echoed
in my head for a long time.
Say you repent, trash.
- I repent.
- Say it.
No, not like that!
You said my voice had to be
recorded in prison.
Now it's yours
that will be recorded in the earth!
I repent.
You said you'd leave me naked.
It is you that your son will see naked.
In a photo,
since you'll be a martyr.
Say you repent.
- I repent.
- Louder.
Louder!
I repent!
- You piece of shit!
- I repent!
I repent!
You piece of shit!
I swear I'm like you guys.
I needed to survive.
I repent.
When you didn't confess,
I felt humiliated.
I thought you were
mocking me.
Like when I was little.
I swear.
I swear I repent.
Let me see my son,
I beg you.
I had a guilty conscience,
but I ended up getting used to it.
I want to see my son.
I repent.
I repent.
Give me your hands.
Your phone and documents are there.
I'll leave a box cutter
for you to free yourself.
The road is a 15-minute walk.
Omid, everything okay?
That was very kind of you.
Sorry to bother you.
Don't mention it.
- Want me to bring something?
- No, thanks.
Leave it there, mom.
- I can do it.
- No!
Give me that, I'm telling you.
- Hi, how are you?
- Good, and you?
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Come in.
- No, thank you.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Thanks.
You didn't buy everything.
Things are missing.
What kind of trousseau is this?
I did it all alone, mom.
Tell her.
This is ridiculous.
I did what I could.
Don't embarrass me
in front of my friend.
Go serve the tea. It'll be fine.