Appropriate Behavior

Shirin, a young, bisexual Iranian-American woman, navigates the turbulent aftermath of a breakup with her girlfriend Maxine. Struggling to rebuild her life in Brooklyn, she grapples with cultural expectations from her family, her own sexual identity, and the awkwardness of dating again. The film follows her often cringe-worthy attempts to move on, leading to humorous and poignant encounters.

Appropriate Behavior was generally met with positive reviews from critics, who praised its sharp wit, honest portrayal of bisexuality and cultural identity, and the fresh comedic voice of its writer-director-star, Desiree Akhavan. Audiences also responded well to its relatable depiction of post-breakup struggles and its unique perspective.

• Praised for its sharp, witty dialogue and authentic exploration of LGBTQ+ and immigrant experiences.
• Desiree Akhavan's performance and direction were frequently highlighted as a major strength.
• Noted for its refreshing take on romantic comedy tropes and relatable post-breakup anxieties.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's humor and its honest depiction of a bisexual Iranian-American woman's life, finding it relatable and refreshing, though some found certain situations a bit too awkward.

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

The film is largely autobiographical, with Desiree Akhavan drawing heavily from her own experiences as a bisexual Iranian-American woman navigating relationships and cultural identity.