“Anatomy of a Fall,” an unsettling psychological journey, opens at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Nov. 10.
Continuing is “The Persian Version.”
In “Anatomy of a Fall,” for the past year, Sandra (Sandra Hüller), her husband, Samuel (Samuel Theis), and their 11-year-old son, Daniel (Milo Machado Graner), have lived a secluded life in a remote town in the French Alps. When Samuel is found dead in the snow below their chalet, the police question whether he was murdered or died by suicide. Samuel’s suspicious death is presumed murder, and Sandra becomes the main suspect.
What follows is not just an investigation into the circumstances of Samuel’s death but an unsettling psychological journey into the depths of Sandra and Samuel’s conflicted relationship. The film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2023.
“Anatomy of a Fall,” which is rated R for some language, sexual references and violent images, is showing through Nov. 22.
“The Persian Version” tells the story of two countries at odds with each other. Iranian-American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures, while boldly challenging the labels society is quick to project upon her. When her family reunites in New York City for her father’s heart transplant, Leila navigates her relationships at arm’s length in an effort to keep her “real” life separate from her family life. However, when her secret is unceremoniously revealed, so are the distinct parallels between her life and that of her mother, Shireen (Niousha Noor). Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comedic relief and vibrant dance numbers, “The Persian Version” delivers an honest portrayal of a woman who remains unapologetically herself, blended seamlessly into a heartfelt story about family, belonging and the undeniable influence of pop music.
Winning both the Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, writer-director-producer Maryam Keshavarz delivers a universal and timely story of the Iranian and the Iranian-American experience.
“The Persian Version,” which is rated R for language and some sexual references, is showing through Nov. 16.
Learn more about the films, including show times and ticket availability.
