Movie spotlight
That Which Remains
Based on Ghassan Kanafani's novel, 'Returning to Haifa,' this film, set in 1967, centres on a Palestinian couple who return to the war-torn city to search for their young son Farhan, whom they were forced to abandon when fleeing Zionist acts of terrorism in 1948. Saeed and Atefeh's own house has even been taken over by a Polish Jewish family, who, it transpires, are holding Farhan hostage. It is up to the couple, with the assistance of Farhan's steely grandmother, to find a way to reclaim their lost son. One of the few Iranian films to tackle the Palestinian issue from a historical perspective, this stunning piece of work from Seifollah Daad features meticulous attention to period detail and moving performances.
Insights
Plot Summary
A former attorney, seeking solace after a personal tragedy, takes on a pro bono case defending a young man accused of murder. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not only her client's life but her own.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'That Which Remains' received a mixed reception. Critics were divided on its pacing and plot intricacies, with some praising its suspenseful elements and strong performances, particularly from Alexandra Paul, while others found the narrative predictable and underdeveloped. Audience reception also varied, with some appreciating the thriller aspects and others finding it less engaging than anticipated.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and Alexandra Paul's performance.
Criticized for a predictable plot and uneven pacing.
Some found the legal thriller elements engaging, while others felt it lacked depth.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their sentiment is not readily available for this title.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on location in and around Los Angeles, California, with specific scenes filmed in Malibu and downtown Los Angeles.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources