Rasoulof's new film 'There Is No Evil' (Persian title- Satan doesn't exist) is an anthology film (consisting of four short film-segments) concerning the capital punishment in Iran. We know about the traditional Govt. system and dictatorship exists in Iran and the result- it pulls the country towards strangulation and anarchism.
The film actually presents itself as an illustration and gives a genuine look at those Iranians who serve as executioners and those who show courage to refuse. Mohammad Rasoulof's film ( who has been barred from leaving the country since 2017) is nothing but an enthralling ride,
it gives rise to those questions- the terror of what it means to live in a world where every resolution brings new questions. He challenges the viewer's morality as well as its characters and fortifies them to take action.
Film also presents the situation- the hardships they have to face, how it affects their life whether they do it (doing their job as executioners) or not...I think it's more about this helpless situation-you have to face consequences; a point of no return.
'There is no Evil' is also a very captivating thriller...sets the premise of each story really well, slowly unfolds the painful secrets and truths while focusing on family, love, freedom etc. to make each story to deliver their individual effectiveness.
Ashkani's brilliant cinematography of sublime close-up shots and long takes, also the landscapes of countryside which actually helps develop the story really well and certain intimacy in director's storytelling creates a poetic charm in it and takes to a higher cinematic level.
But Rasoulof left us many questions with no actual answers. He explained that the film is about "people taking responsibility" for their actions, and that each story "is based on my own experience." For me he is most prominent revolutionary filmmaker of Iran; one who has seen 'A man of Integrity', 'Manuscripts don't burn', 'Goodbye' definitely knows that.
Long Live Iranian Cinema!