The film opens with a tense conversation between Nader and Simin about their marriage. Simin wants to leave Iran for a better future, but Nader refuses to leave his sick father behind. The argument escalates as both characters express their frustrations and desperation. This sets the stage for the emotional turmoil that will unfold throughout the film.

Context: This scene establishes the central conflict of the film, highlighting the strain in Nader and Simin's marriage while illustrating their conflicting priorities.

Nader’s father is revealed to be suffering from Alzheimer’s, which adds pressure to Nader’s already strained life. The camera captures Nader's concern and helplessness as he cares for his father, showcasing the emotional weight of responsibility. This scene deepens Nader's character and establishes his motivations.

Context: The father’s illness is a significant factor in Nader's refusal to leave Iran. It emphasizes themes of family loyalty and the burdens of caregiving.

Razieh, a young woman needing work, comes to help Nader care for his father. When she walks into the home, an air of tension is palpable. The contrast between Razieh’s desperation and Nader's rigid demeanor highlights the themes of class and struggle. Her presence changes the dynamic of the household.

Context: Razieh's introduction sets in motion the conflicts that will arise between her and Nader, representing different societal pressures and moral dilemmas.

When Nader finds out that Razieh has left his father alone during her religious duties, he lashes out with anger. The confrontation is intense, filled with raised voices and emotional accusations. This pivotal moment underlines Nader’s frustration and sets off a chain of events that will have dire consequences.

Context: This scene reflects the cultural and moral conflicts in their lives while showcasing how misunderstandings escalate into serious disputes.

After a heated argument, Nader pushes Razieh during another confrontation, and she falls down the stairs. The moment is shocking and sudden, underscoring Nader's escalating anger and the fragility of human interactions. This incident marks a crucial turning point in the narrative.

Context: This moment dramatically shifts the tone of the film, introducing themes of violence, regret, and unintended consequences that reverberate throughout the story.

Razieh visits the hospital for her injuries, and the emotional weight of what has happened begins to settle in. The vulnerability of her condition is palpable, and her emotional turmoil is felt deeply by the audience. The tension between her need for justice and her religious beliefs creates a moral dilemma.

Context: This scene highlights the consequences of Nader's actions, leading to the involvement of the legal system and the moral quandaries that follow.

In the courtroom, Nader stands accused. The tension in the air is thick as the two sides present their arguments. The dialogue is laced with raw emotion, revealing not only their personal struggles but also the societal pressures that influence their decisions. It’s clear that both sides believe they are in the right.

Context: The courtroom serves as a microcosm of the larger themes of truth, morality, and justice within the film, creating a compelling atmosphere of confrontation.

Simin confronts Nader about the direction their lives are heading. In this touching moment, she breaks down, expressing her feelings of isolation and frustration. The visuals capture her pain with powerful close-ups, evoking empathy from the audience.

Context: This moment adds depth to Simin’s character, showcasing how the struggles of the couple affect everyone around them, especially their daughter.

Their daughter, Termeh, is forced to choose sides as the turmoil escalates. Her confusion and anxiety are depicted through her expressions and the claustrophobic framing around her. This moment illustrates the impact of adult conflicts on children.

Context: Termeh's perspective adds layers to the story, as she embodies the emotional toll of her parents' separation on innocent lives.

The continued investigation into the events leading up to the injury brings to light the lies told by both parties. Nader and Razieh's representatives argue fiercely, revealing the cracks in their stories. The camera captures the desperation in their eyes, and the weight of truth versus falsehood hangs heavy.

Context: This moment emphasizes the themes of honesty, moral ambiguity, and the struggle for redemption as characters blame each other for their circumstances.

Nader offers Razieh money as a means to settle the situation, revealing his complex feelings about guilt and responsibility. The discomfort in the air is tangible as they navigate this morally precarious territory. It forces both characters to confront their intentions and the implications of their actions.

Context: This exchange showcases the clash between socioeconomic disparities and personal integrity, as well as the different motivations driving each character.

Simin makes the painful choice to leave Nader, taking Termeh with her. The scene is charged with emotion, capturing the heart-wrenching implications of their separation. The visuals focus on Termeh’s conflicted expression, making it clear that this decision will change their lives forever.

Context: This moment serves as a culmination of the film's conflict, marking a significant turning point that reinforces the theme of separation in multiple forms, including emotional and physical.

In a crucial late-night conversation, Nader and Termeh discuss her future. When asked to choose whom she’ll go with, Termeh faces a moral dilemma that reflects her own inner turmoil. The scene is poignant, showcasing the pressure on children caught between parental conflict.

Context: This moment encapsulates the emotional struggle of the film, as Termeh represents the hope and despair of tomorrow, burdened by the fallout of her parents' choices.

Nader confronts Hojjat, Razieh's husband, which leads to an explosive argument. The visuals capture both men's anger and pain as they grapple with accusations and blame. It’s a raw moment that highlights the toxic nature of their conflict, impacting everyone involved.

Context: This confrontation underscores the broader societal issues at play, emphasizing how personal conflicts can have widespread repercussions.

Razieh struggles with her decision to pursue justice and the consequences that would follow. It’s a quiet yet powerful moment that reveals her inner conflict, emphasizing the weight of her choices and the impact on her family.

Context: This scene is pivotal as it showcases the humanity within Razieh, relating her struggles to larger themes of morality, sacrifice, and duty.

Nader visits Razieh to apologize, but the tension is thick as they grapple with the remnants of their actions. Both characters’ emotions are palpable, revealing the complexity of forgiveness and the scars that remain. The atmosphere is heavy with unsaid words.

Context: This emotional exchange highlights the difficulty of reconciliation and the differing perspectives on right and wrong, making it a critical moment in character development.

In the courtroom, the revelation of evidence brings everything to a head. The emotional stakes are at their peak with the audience holding their breath. The dialogue is laced with truth, igniting tumultuous reactions from everyone present.

Context: This scene punctuates the film's exploration of truth, justice, and the complexities that arise from seeking both in a flawed system.

Simin watches Termeh leave with Nader, realizing her family has split apart forever. This moment is silent yet deafening, filled with longing and sorrow. The visuals focus on Simin's expression, encapsulating the weight of loss.

Context: This reflects the theme of separation and its inevitability, framing the emotional landscape of human relationships and the pain they can cause.

After Termeh's departure, Nader sits alone, consumed by guilt and loss. The camera captures his solitude, emphasizing the emptiness left by the separation. This moment shows the personal toll of the decisions made throughout the film.

Context: This scene highlights the emotional aftermath of conflict, underscoring how isolation can stem from both physical and emotional separation.

In the closing moments, Termeh grapples with the weight of loyalty, revealing her decision to stay with Nader. The scene is filled with unresolved tension, as her choice represents the search for stability amidst chaos.

Context: This final decision encapsulates the film's central themes of familial bonds, loyalty, and the sacrifices that come with love.

The film ends with a poignant silence as Nader and Simin's eyes meet one last time. Words are unnecessary as their expressions convey years of love, resentment, and heartache. The visual composition leaves a lasting impact.

Context: This final moment speaks volumes about the complexities of relationships, resonating with the audience long after the credits roll.