The Spouse

Interesting study of gender politics, when a woman is unexpectedly promoted at work, and the effect that it has on her marriage, and her colleagues at work, where many, particularly the men, see her merely as a symbol, without real authority or competence.

Whereas many Iranian films are so powerful because of the subtle and understated way in which they make their point, (the films "Still Life" and "One more Day" being wonderful examples), this film does the opposite (in my opinion to its detriment) by loudly, repeatedly and brashly, over-emphasising confrontation and labouring on the obvious.

The story is threaded around a corruption scandal which takes a number of rather improbable turns, but for those who like some action in a film, it adds a pleasant level of escapist entertainment.