Watch Retouch

Retouch is a thought-provoking and intense drama film from 2017, directed and written by Kaveh Mazaheri. Set in contemporary Iran, the film depicts a moral dilemma that a woman faces when she accidentally causes her husband's death. The story revolves around a married couple, Maryam (Sonia Sanjari) and Siyavash (Mohammad Hossein Ziksari), who live in a modest apartment with their little daughter. Maryam is depicted as a loving and devoted wife, who regularly cleans the house, cooks food for her family, and takes care of her daughter's needs. Siyavash, on the other hand, is shown as an aloof and indifferent husband who frequently ignores his family and spends most of his time watching TV or sleeping.

One day, Siyavash falls off a ladder in the bathroom and gets stuck between the wall and the sink. Maryam rushes to his aid, but instead of helping him, she notices that Siyavash has died instantly. The rest of the film follows Maryam as she grapples with her conscience and decides what to do next.

The film's title, Retouch, refers to Maryam's profession. She is a retoucher, someone who uses Photoshop to edit photos and erase flaws. Her job is symbolic of the dilemma she faces as she tries to bury her husband's body in the bathroom, erase all traces of his death, and pretend that nothing has happened. The tension in the film mounts as Maryam faces several obstacles and ethical dilemmas while trying to dispose of the body, such as the arrival of a plumber or the need to take care of her daughter.

Throughout the film, director Kaveh Mazaheri masterfully captures the claustrophobic feeling of Maryam's apartment, which heightens the sense of tension and isolation felt by Maryam. Moreover, the use of muted colors and the minimal dialogue add to the film's sense of foreboding, as it focuses on Maryam's inner turmoil and mental state.

One of the standout performances in the film is from Sonia Sanjari, who brilliantly portrays Maryam's vulnerability and inner turmoil. Sanjari's nuanced performance captures the complexity of her character's dilemma as she tries to balance her love for her husband and daughter while dealing with the guilt and shame of what she has done.

Mohammad Hossein Ziksari delivers a powerful performance as Siyavash, the husband who dies early on in the film. Although his character is not fully developed, Ziksari's work gives the audience a clear sense of Siyavash's apathy and emotional indifference towards his family.

Siamak Farsi, who plays the plumber, is another notable performance. His character's brief appearance introduces a new layer of tension and danger to the story, as he comes unexpectedly and threatens to discover Maryam's secret.

Overall, Retouch is an impressive directorial debut from Kaveh Mazaheri. It is a film that delves into complex ethical and moral dilemmas in a subtle and understated way, making it a must-see for lovers of drama and suspense. It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the difficult choices and hidden tensions that exist within even the most ordinary of lives.