The life of an Iranian family, amidst various resilience and layers of tragedy, is the destructive focus of "Dear Child".
Iranian films are usually divided into three major types: humanistic films that break the fourth wall, such as the works of the late great Abbas Kiarostami; documentaries that give you a glimpse of what everyday life in Iran is like, such as the works of Jafar Panahi; and domestic dramas that combine a naturalistic style with an understanding of what it means to be Iranian, such as the works of two-time Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi. The narrative feature film "Dear Child," which premiered at TIFF in 2019, reflects all these categories' characteristics. The film is well-crafted and heart-wrenching, depicting Iranians both inside and outside Iran, giving us a glimpse into a world that is often complex and emotionally charged but ultimately defined by the desire for love and being loved.
It focuses on the mother-son relationship in present-day Iran. The first half of the film revolves around the widow Leila, her 12-year-old son Amir Ali, and her infant daughter Munis.
The perspective of the film, after introducing us to Leila's difficult life and some seemingly impossible choices, switches to Amir Ali. He is a quiet child, an observer who knows his mother's life is difficult and traditionally burdensome for her. But the sacrifice Amir Ali is asked to make is astonishing, a life-altering sacrifice. The second half of the film shows how the separation destroys the mother-son relationship, as the director emphasizes. Leila's pride, a quality that she also passes on to her son, silently accepts the things her mother asks of him. "Dear Child" authentically represents an important interpersonal relationship that is torn apart bit by bit by those who think they are helping.
"Dear Child" benefits from the unwavering commitment of female filmmakers and how they are dedicated to showcasing the desire of women to find the life they want, even in oppressive or destructive systems. In "Dear Child," when Leila sits across from that man, eating ice cream and professing his love for her, we see the relentless pressure he puts on her, as well as his genuine affection for her - and her gratitude for someone looking at her like that.
The film tells the joys and disappointments of Iranian family life in dialogue, as well as the limitations of romance and familial love. It is one of the most thought-provoking films I have seen this year.