Movies: Drowning in Holy Water (2020) by Navid Mahmoudi: A Desperate Journey for a New Life

A Human Story of Exile Drowning in Holy Water (Original title: Mordan dar abe motahhar) is a 2020 Iranian-Afghan drama that follows a young Afghan couple, Hamed and Rona, on their perilous journey to flee their homeland for Europe. Written and directed by Navid Mahmoudi, the film's narrative centers on their desperate search for a better life, taking them illegally from Afghanistan to Iran and then to Turkey, where they face the harsh realities of seeking asylum. The film offers a powerful and intimate look at the struggles of refugees and the lengths they will go to for a glimmer of hope.

Why to Watch This Movie: A Timely and Realistic Depiction of a Global Crisis

• Humanistic Storytelling: The movie is lauded for its humanistic approach to a complex issue. Instead of a broad political statement, it focuses on the personal struggles of two people, making their desperation and hope deeply relatable.

• Realistic Portrayal of Refugee Life: The film doesn't romanticize the refugee experience. It presents the harsh and dangerous reality of illegal migration, the exploitation by human traffickers, and the emotional toll of being stateless.

• Critically Acclaimed at Festivals: With a win and four nominations at various international film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival, the film has received significant recognition for its powerful narrative and direction.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/drowning-in-holy-water (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/drowning-in-holy-water (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/drowning-in-holy-water (Germany)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11773588/

Link Review: https://iffa.net.au/drowning-in-holy-water/

About movie: https://persiafilmdistribution.com/drowning-in-holy-water/

What Movie Trend is following? The New Wave of Refugee Cinema

Drowning in Holy Water is part of a contemporary cinematic trend known as refugee cinema. This movement of films focuses on the stories of asylum seekers and migrants, often told from a humanistic and often-gritty perspective. These films aim to move beyond political discourse to show the personal sacrifices, dangers, and emotional burdens of people forced to leave their homes. They often highlight the exploitation and bureaucratic hurdles faced by refugees, providing an intimate look into a global humanitarian crisis.

Director's Vision: Unflinching Honesty

• Direct and Unembellished: Navid Mahmoudi's directorial vision is to present the story in a direct and unembellished manner. He avoids melodrama, instead relying on the raw emotions of his characters and the stark reality of their circumstances to create tension and empathy.

• Focus on Psychological and Emotional Journey: The director is more interested in the psychological and emotional journey of Hamed and Rona than in a thrilling action plot. He explores their desperation, their moments of hope, and the moral compromises they are forced to make.

• Symbolism of Faith and Desperation: The film's title, and a central plot point involving a religious conversion for asylum, indicates the director's interest in exploring how people are pushed to sacrifice their identity and beliefs in their quest for survival.

Themes: Migration, Hope, and Desperation

• The Search for a Better Life: The primary theme is the universal desire for a safe and stable life, which drives the protagonists to undertake an incredibly dangerous journey.

• Identity and Survival: The film delves into the moral and personal compromises required for survival. Rona's consideration of converting to Catholicism to gain asylum status highlights the extreme measures people will take when all other options are exhausted.

• The Human Cost of Statelessness: The film powerfully illustrates the vulnerability and exploitation faced by those without legal status or a recognized home country. It shows how migrants are at the mercy of traffickers and hostile systems.

Key Success Factors: Emotional Depth and Acclaim

• Powerful Performances: The film is carried by the performances of Matin Heydarinia and Sadaf Asgari, who effectively convey the fear, hope, and emotional weight of their characters' journey.

• Critical Recognition: The win at the Busan International Film Festival, a major festival for Asian cinema, is a significant marker of the film's quality. This acclaim brought international attention to its important subject matter.

• Timely Relevance: Released in 2020, the film's story is highly relevant to ongoing global migration crises, making it resonate with audiences who are familiar with the headlines but not the personal stories.

Awards and Nominations: Festival Recognition

The film has 1 win and 4 nominations. Most notably, it won the Kim Ji Seok Award at the 2020 Busan International Film Festival. It was also nominated for major acting awards at Iran's Fajr Film Festival.

Critics Reception: A Sincere, if Flawed, Effort

• The Film Verdict: Praises the film for its "sincere" and "often-moving" exploration of a refugee's struggle, calling it an "effective drama." However, it also notes that the film occasionally "lacks clarity" and a certain "propulsive urgency."

• Variety: Describes the film as "an earnest, well-meaning plea for humanity." The review applauds the film's "quiet power" and "naturalistic tone," even while pointing out that the narrative can feel a bit fragmented at times.

• High on Films: Lauds the film as a "deeply moving and humane drama" that portrays the "painful saga of refugees with unflinching honesty." It praises the director for avoiding clichés and focusing on the human story.

Overall Summary: Critics generally praise Drowning in Holy Water for its timely subject matter, authentic performances, and sincere humanistic approach. While some reviews noted minor issues with pacing and narrative clarity, the film's emotional depth and importance were widely recognized.

Reviews: Mixed but Thought-Provoking

• User Reviews: With a rating of 5.5/10, user reviews are mixed. Some viewers appreciated the realistic and heartfelt portrayal of the characters' struggles. Others may have found the slow pace and somber tone challenging. The overall rating suggests that while the film has its admirers, it may not have resonated with a broader audience.

What Big Social Trend is following? The Global Refugee Crisis

The film is a direct reflection of the ongoing global refugee crisis, which has seen millions of people displaced by conflict, political instability, and poverty. Drowning in Holy Water provides a crucial and intimate perspective on this trend by illustrating the personal story behind the statistics. It highlights the desperation of people fleeing unimaginable circumstances and the perilous journeys they undertake in search of safety. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the human element of a crisis that is often discussed in abstract political terms.

Final Verdict: A Humane and Important Film

Drowning in Holy Water is an important and humane film that sheds light on a pressing global issue. While its slow, somber pace may not appeal to all audiences, its strength lies in its emotional honesty and realistic portrayal of the refugee experience. The film is a valuable contribution to world cinema, offering a powerful and empathetic look at the human cost of displacement. It serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices people are willing to make for the chance at a better life.