The Iranian government has not supported the film, banning Moghaddam and Sanaeeha from travelling to Berlin for its premiere in February, and accusing the filmmakers of “crossing several red lines”, as Sanaeeha put it to the Hollywood Reporter, by depicting Mahin drinking alcohol and without her hijab. What’s even more subversive, however, is Mahin’s sense of agency. Moghaddam and Sanaeeha frequently depict her alone at the centre of the frame, whether enjoying an affogato in a posh hotel lobby, waiting for a cab outside the market, or sitting at a park bench overlooking the city. In each setting, Mahin’s independence is presented as a fact rather than pitied.
— Simran Hans (Sight and Sound)
Synopsis: Mahin lives alone in Tehran since her husband’s death and her daughter’s departure for Europe, until an afternoon tea with friends leads her to break her solitary routine and revitalize her love life.