The life of an Iranian family, amidst various resilience and layers of tragedy, is the destructive focus of "Dear Child".
Iranian films are usually divided into three major types: humanistic films that break the fourth wall, such as the works of the late great Abbas Kiarostami; documentaries that give you a glimpse of what everyday life in Iran is like, such as the works of Jafar Panahi; and domestically produced dramas that combine a naturalistic style with an understanding of what it means to be Iranian, such as the works of two-time Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi. The feature-length narrative film "Dear Child," which premiered at TIFF in 2019, reflects all these categories' characteristics. The film is well-crafted and heartbreaking, depicting Iranians both inside and outside Iran, giving us a glimpse into a world that is often complex and emotionally charged but ultimately defined by the desire for love and to be loved.
It focuses on the mother-son relationship in present-day Iran. The first half or so of the film tells the story of the widow Leila, her 12-year-old son Amir Ali, and her infant daughter Munis.
The perspective of the film, after introducing us to Leila's difficult life and some seemingly impossible choices, switches to Amir. He is a quiet child, an observer who knows his mother's life is difficult and the pressure on her is immense traditionally. But the sacrifice Amir is asked to make is staggering, a life-altering sacrifice. The latter half of the film shows how the mother-son relationship is destroyed by this separation, as the director emphasizes. Leila's pride, a quality that is also passed on to her son, silently accepts what his mother asks of him. "Dear Child" authentically represents an important interpersonal relationship that is torn apart bit by bit by those who believe they are helping.
"Dear Child" benefits from the unwavering commitment of female filmmakers and how they are dedicated to showcasing the desire of women to find the life they want, even in oppressive or destructive systems. In "Dear Child," when Leila sits across from that man, eating ice cream and asking her for love, we see the relentless pressure he puts on her and the genuine affection he has for her - and her gratitude for someone looking at her like that.
The film tells the contrasting joys and disappointments of Iranian family life in dialogue, as well as the limitations of romance and familial love. It is one of the most thought-provoking films I have seen this year.