Watch Circumstance

Circumstance is a powerful drama from 2011 that explores the complexities of life in contemporary Iran. Directed by Iranian-American filmmaker Maryam Keshavarz, the movie tells the story of two young women who are pulled in different directions by their desires, their families, and their society. The two women at the heart of the movie are Atafeh (Sarah Kazemy) and Shireen (Nikohl Boosheri), who are best friends and classmates at a private school for girls. Atafeh comes from a wealthy and liberal family, and she enjoys a life of privilege and freedom. She loves to dance, attend underground parties, and explore her sexuality with her boyfriend, a young man named Mehran (Reza Sixo Safai).

Shireen, on the other hand, comes from a more conservative and religious family. She is quiet and reserved, and she struggles to express herself in a society that values conformity and tradition above individuality and creativity. Her parents are strict and authoritarian, and they expect her to follow the rules and marry a suitable man.

Despite their differences, Atafeh and Shireen share a deep and intimate bond, and they find solace in each other's company. As they spend more time together, they begin to discover a mutual attraction, and they embark on a secret romance that tests the limits of their love and their identity.

Meanwhile, outside of their bubble, the world is changing. Iran is on the brink of revolution, and the government is cracking down on dissent and protest. Atafeh's brother, a former revolutionary who has since become a drug addict, is arrested and imprisoned by the authorities, and Atafeh's parents become increasingly worried about the safety of their family.

As tensions rise and danger looms, Atafeh and Shireen must navigate the complexities of their relationships and their society. They are torn between their love for each other and their obligations to their families and their country, and they must find a way to survive in a world that is becoming increasingly oppressive and dangerous.

Circumstance is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving film that explores themes of love, identity, and self-expression in the context of a society that is undergoing radical change. The performances by Sarah Kazemy and Nikohl Boosheri are outstanding, and they bring authenticity and depth to their portrayals of Atafeh and Shireen. The film is visually stunning, with vivid colors and lush imagery that capture the beauty and complexity of Iran.

At its heart, Circumstance is a story of love and resistance, of young people who are willing to risk everything for the sake of their passions and their beliefs. It is a film that is both poignant and powerful, and it will leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.

Circumstance is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 65.