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Yalda

Name: Yalda
Director: Massoud Bakhshi
Released: 2020
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

7.5/10

Good

2020

Director

Massoud Bakhshi

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Yalda is a sophisticated character study that succeeds through its authentic ethnic grounding and its subversion of traditional social hierarchies. By centering a young girl's perspective, the film provides a nuanced look at how systemic pressures shape individual ability to act within a specific cultural landscape. While the film excels in providing a non-Western perspective and challenging gendered domestic roles, it remains limited in its scope regarding other underrepresented identities. The narrative does not include explicit LGBTQ+ arcs or specific depictions of disability.

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Category Breakdown

Does Yalda have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-cisgender identities. The story focuses on the immediate social and family dynamics, leaving little room for queer identity exploration.

How does Yalda portray gender?

Good

The story centers around the perspective of a young girl and challenges traditional gender roles by showing the struggle for autonomy against societal expectations.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Yalda?

Excellent

The film features an entirely Iranian cast, providing a nuanced look at non-Western social fabric without Western mediation.

How does Yalda represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques traditional social and familial structures rather than reinforcing them. It explores the tension between personal desires and established social norms.

Does Yalda include disability representation?

Fair

The film does not depict physical or neurodivergent disabilities. Psychological states are treated as universal human experiences rather than specific explorations of disability.

Present on Screen

Authentic ethnic representation through an entirely Iranian cast and setting.
Effective use of the female perspective to challenge traditional gender roles.
Nuanced critique of traditional social and familial structures.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities.
Absence of significant or central depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Maryam accidentally killed her husband Nasser and is sentenced to death. The only person who can save her is Mona, Nasser's daughter. All Mona has to do is appear on a TV show and forgive Maryam. But forgiveness proves difficult when they are forced to relive the past.

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