The films of Jafar Panahi (The Mirror, Offside) had him imprisoned for six years and banned from filmmaking for 20 years by the Iranian government.
Panahi’s films are so controversial because they often deal with government corruption and injustice. Art is important, but its importance is elevated when it is used as a means of protest.
The filming of his most recent work, It Was Just an Accident, was not approved by the Iranian government, so Panahi had to be discreet while in production. Working within that limitation, however, the film feels very well polished and not rushed.
It Was Just an Accident follows a man (played by Ebrahim Azizi) whose car breaks down. As it is repaired, he is recognized by one of the political prisoners he interrogated and tortured many years ago.
This ex-prisoner (played by Vahid Mobasseri) kidnaps his former tormentor. About to finally get his revenge, however, he isn’t sure that he has the right guy. He reaches out to other former political prisoners, also victims of the interrogator, and the bulk of the film consists of these characters interacting and deciding what to do. Is he even who they think he is? And if so, how can they properly execute justice?
The core of the film, then, is how justice can function in an unjust society.
The cinematography is good, but the most exceptional component of the film is the acting. The former prisoners have been deeply wounded by this man, and as a result they all harbor rage and trauma. Each of the actors captures these complex feelings flawlessly, culminating in the film’s penultimate scene, one uninterrupted 10-minute shot that must have been extremely taxing on the actors—a testimony to their performances.
It Was Just an Accident uses minimal music, adding an aspect of reality to the film and giving us the feeling that we are witnessing a real event unfolding in front of us. The pacing may seem abrupt, but it adds to a feeling of being overwhelmed.
The film’s structure is simple, with a linear storyline and clear character development. The themes it wrestles with, however, draw a deep complexity. It is dark and intense, with moments of hilarious comedy relief.
It Was Just an Accident, winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, is by far the best international film of the year.
Editor’s Note: It Was Just an Accident is now playing at The SLO Film Center at the Palm Theatre.