The film that immediately preceded Asghar Farhadi’s Oscar-winning A Separation (the first in Iranian history), About Elly is, like that later film, a beguiling insight into young middle-class Iranian lifestyles.
A group of thirtysomethings head out of Tehran for a few days on the coast. In their midst is Ahmad (Shahab Hosseini), a divorcee recently returned from Hamburg. Unbeknownst to the other friends, the ever-organising Sepideh (Golshifteh Farahani) has invited kindergarten teacher Elly (Taraneh Alidoosti), young and single, to join them. But as the families relax, Elly simply disappears.
About Elly is, in its own right, a fascinating drama and Fahardi one of the most thoughtful auteurs currently working (A Separation features in my personal all time Top 20 films). Deft, nuanced, thrilling, compelling as personal interests, family squabbles, friendship, honour all ebb and flow in this fascinating feature.
Rating: 80%
Director: Asghar Farhadi (The Salesman, A Separation)
Writer: Asghar Farhadi (The Salesman, A Separation)
Main cast: Golshifteh Farahani (The Pear Tree, Paterson), Shahab Hosseini (The Salesman, A Separation), Taraneh Alidoosti (The Salesman, Modest Reception)
An Opinion or Two 