Shayda – REVIEW
Image: Zar Amir Ebrahimi in SHAYDA. Image: film still
Themes of domestic abuse and child abduction are prevalent in this new Iranian/Australian feature film which spreads awareness of a very real social issue.
Set in Australia 1995, an Iranian born woman named Shayda and her young daughter seek shelter in a woman’s refuge alongside other women who are experiencing relationship issues with their partners.
Shayda’s Iranian husband who physically and mentally abused her is seeking custody of their daughter Mona, with the suggestion that he secretly intends to return to Iran with her once he completes his university studies.
Shayda is building evidence for the custody hearing, but will the Australian legal system allow unsupervised access to this vindictive man which may result in his abduction of their young daughter?
This is a depressing yet must see film which exposes a universally relatable issue. The mood is bleak with an intoxicating sense of hopelessness as Shayda attempts to move on with her life in the undesired and controlling presence of her ever domineering husband. “You’re still my wife!” he venomously screams, exacerbated by his Iranian supporters who claim that “he has a right to see his wife!”
Iranian culture is explored – the ideology that problematic marriages are the woman’s fault in a dark culture where social expectations dictate that women must never divorce and must also tolerate marital abuse.
The story of other characters at the woman’s shelter come into the mix, highlighting the mental scars suffered by mothers who are desperately praying for the safe return of their abducted children.
Shayda is an emotional rollercoaster authenticated by earnest performances from a relatively unknown cast led by Iranian born Zar Amir Ebrahimi in the titular role. A special mention must be made of Selina Zahednia’s portrayal of Mona, the young daughter who has unfortunately witnessed domestic violence at such a tender age.
Traction is slightly diminished in the second half owing to a near flatline in pacing and a needlessly substantial running time of just under 2 hours.
However, this is a significant movie which may only appeal to a very niche audience. A drama that surrounds the everlasting love a woman has for her daughter in the midst of a marital crisis makes alternative viewing for moviegoers who are exhausted from all the same old, same old superhero blockbusters.
★★★1/2
In Cinemas Oct 5
