The film unfolds in a war-ravaged Muslim country—likely Afghanistan—introducing a young woman (Golshifteh Farahani) struggling to care for her two daughters while their father lies motionless on a mattress, bearing a bullet wound. Abandoned by his comrades, she must find a way to protect her family alongside a nearby aunt (Hassina Burgan), attempting to tend to her husband’s condition as best she can. Militias are prevalent, and with him unable to move, she has to devise clever methods to keep him hidden from those who would harm him. As time passes, she begins speaking to the man—and to the audience—which reveals a disturbing history of brutality, apathy, and neglect experienced throughout her childhood. She also encounters the local commander, successfully convincing him of her loose morals. He appears repulsed but seems to have shared this information with his men, as a young man (Massi Mrowat) arrives at their door claiming to want to pay for sex, though he is actually seeking something far more significant. The pervasive atmosphere highlights the fragility of those involved. Over time, her recollections become increasingly detailed and explicit, leading to a deeper understanding of her than she may have initially intended. However, one wonders if he's truly listening? It’s an unconventional choice to feature an incapacitated man, nearing death, as a vehicle for this kind of narrative, but it proves surprisingly effective. She recounts a story steeped in persecution—both physical and intellectual—and once she begins sharing, her feelings of bitterness surface. This isn't presented as an angry outburst; there’s not much animosity present. Instead, it is a calm and logical assessment of her life and the way she has been treated by those who were meant to love and support her. The film encourages viewers to question the strictness of her religious beliefs and the position of women within that system, but refrains from explicitly stating what conclusions should be drawn; any judgments are left to the viewer. There are moments where it feels somewhat repetitive, but Farahani’s palpable intensity elevates the experience into something quite moving.

Source on TMDB