Watch There Is No Evil

There Is No Evil, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof, is a powerful and emotional movie that explores the subject of capital punishment in Iran. The film is divided into four interrelated, but separate, stories that delve into the intricate and often life-altering decisions that are made by men who are executing other men. This complex film is particularly poignant given that the filmmaker himself is currently serving a prison sentence in Iran for his work as an artist and human rights activist.

The first story in the movie follows Heshmat, a family man who is forced to choose between his own principles and the well-being of his family. He is a soldier who has been given the duty of carrying out a capital sentence on a young woman accused of murdering her abusive husband. Heshmat spends the majority of his time grappling with the morality of his actions, and the ethical obligations he feels towards the other people in his life. Will he stay true to his virtues, or will he sacrifice them for the sake of the people he loves most?

The second story introduces us to Pouya, the nephew of Heshmat. Like his uncle, Pouya is also serving in the army, and also struggling with the implications of carrying out death sentences. However, his position is further complicated by the fact that his own girlfriend is viciously protesting against the practice of capital punishment. Pouya's love for her forces him to confront his own beliefs in a way that is intense and ultimately life-changing.

The third and most devastating of the stories follows Javad, a man who has spent a decade working as an executioner. He has grown comfortable with his role, finding meaning and purpose in his ability to carry out what he views as justice. However, Javad's unflinching certainty is rocked to its core when he is given the task of executing a group of political prisoners. This critical moment forces Javad to question both his role in the state's system of oppression, and the moral implications of his own previous executions.

The final, and perhaps most optimistic, story follows Bahram, a man finally finding the strength and conviction to leave the military and start a new life. He is part of an underground community that is working towards ending the practice of capital punishment in Iran, through direct actions that necessitate secrecy and bravery. Bahram's story provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark and somber take on the subject of state-controlled executions.

Overall, There Is No Evil is a beautiful, complex and chilling piece of filmmaking that underscores the moral and ethical costs of capital punishment. The performances given by the actors are consistently powerful, with each story providing its own unique perspective on the issue. The direction of the film is superb, as Rasoulof deftly moves between the different stories, weaving them together into a seamless and cohesive whole. There is no doubt that this film will deeply affect all who see it, and it stands as a strong reminder of the importance of human rights worldwide.

There Is No Evil is a 2020 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 82.