Watch Maryam

Maryam is a powerful and emotional drama film directed by Ramin Serry that takes place in the aftermath of the Iranian revolution of 1979. The movie centers around the life of Maryam, a young Iranian-American girl, whose first year in college coincides with the hostage crisis in Tehran. The film stars Mariam Parris as Maryam, David Ackert as Eric, and Shaun Toub as Ali.

The movie opens with Maryam beginning her first year at a liberal arts college in the Northeast United States. Maryam is a smart and ambitious young girl who wants to become a doctor. Her parents are conservative and traditional, and they hope that she will eventually marry a good Muslim man, settle down, and start a family. However, Maryam is determined to follow her dreams and achieve her goals.

Soon after, the Iranian revolution breaks out, and Maryam's world turns upside down. The US embassy in Tehran is seized by Iranian militants, and American hostages are taken. Americans are now regarded with suspicion and hostility in the US, and Maryam is caught in the middle.

As the crisis unfolds, Maryam's family and friends turn against her. She becomes a victim of prejudice, discrimination, and hate. Her professors and colleagues assume that she is sympathetic to the Iranian militants and the Ayatollah Khomeini. Her fellow students ostracize her and call her an Arab terrorist. Maryam faces a barrage of insults, taunts, and threats.

Despite the challenges, Maryam remains resilient and defiant. She refuses to be intimidated or silenced. She seeks solace in her faith and her family. She attends rallies and protests, hoping to promote peace and understanding between the US and Iran. She also meets Eric, a young Jewish-American student who shares her values and beliefs. Eric is empathetic and supportive of Maryam, and they become close friends.

As the hostage crisis drags on, Maryam is faced with a difficult choice: Should she stay in the US and pursue her dreams, or should she return to Iran and join the revolution? Maryam is torn between her loyalty to her family and her country and her desire for freedom and opportunity. She must navigate the complex maze of politics, culture, and identity to find her true path.

Maryam is a poignant and thought-provoking film that deals with issues of identity, culture, and belonging. The movie shows how prejudice and intolerance can tear communities apart and how love and compassion can bring us together. The lead actress, Mariam Parris, delivers a mesmerizing performance as Maryam, capturing the character's strength, vulnerability, and resilience. The supporting actors, David Ackert and Shaun Toub, also shine in their roles, providing nuanced and layered portrayals of their characters.

The cinematography and soundtrack of Maryam are equally impressive. The film features beautiful shots of the Iranian countryside and the urban landscapes of the US. The music, composed by Mohammad Reza Darvishi, blends traditional Iranian melodies and modern Western beats, creating a haunting and evocative sound.

In conclusion, Maryam is a gripping and timely film that explores the complexities of identity and belonging in the context of global politics and cultural conflicts. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Iranian history, American foreign policy, and the human experience.