Watch Appropriate Behavior

"Appropriate Behavior" is a 2014 comedy-drama film written, directed by and starring Desiree Akhavan. The movie tells the story of Shirin (played by Akhavan), a Persian-American bisexual woman living in Brooklyn who is struggling to find her place in the world after a breakup with her girlfriend Maxine (Rebecca Henderson). The movie opens with Shirin moving out of Maxine's apartment and trying to navigate her life without her. She is also struggling with the pressure from her conservative family who want her to be a good Persian daughter and find a husband. Shirin feels like she is trapped in between two worlds and doesn't know how to reconcile them.

Despite her struggles, Shirin tries to move on and starts dating two people at the same time, an older man named Max (Hooman Majd) who is a graphic designer and a woman named Crystal (Halley Feiffer) who is also an artist. Shirin tries her best to make her relationships work, but she finds herself constantly lying to them and hiding parts of herself.

As the movie progresses, Shirin struggles to come to terms with her own identity and what it means to be Persian, bisexual and living in America. She begins to realize that she can't be everything to everyone and that sometimes it's okay to be true to yourself, even if it means disappointing those around you.

What makes "Appropriate Behavior" unique is its raw honesty and sharp wit. Akhavan is able to blend humor and drama seamlessly to create a film that feels authentic and true to life. The movie tackles themes of identity, sexuality, race, and culture in a way that is both relatable and thought-provoking.

The film also boasts an impressive cast, with Akhavan giving a standout performance as Shirin. She is able to convey the character's complexities and vulnerabilities in a way that feels genuine and nuanced. Henderson and Feiffer also shine in their roles as Maxine and Crystal, respectively.

One of the strengths of "Appropriate Behavior" is its attention to detail. The movie is filled with small moments and gestures that help to flesh out the characters and make them feel like real people. The film also has a strong visual aesthetic, with beautiful cinematography and a colorful, vibrant look that reflects the energy of Brooklyn.

Overall, "Appropriate Behavior" is a funny and poignant film that explores themes of identity and self-discovery in a refreshing and honest way. It is a testament to Akhavan's talents as a writer and director, and a showcase for the talents of its talented cast. The movie is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they were struggling to find their place in the world.

Appropriate Behavior is a 2015 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 73.