It Was Just An Accident review (vtiff)

Poster for It Was Just An Accident

 

 

It Was Just an Accident (2025) is an Iranian-made film made without authorization from the Iranian government. The drama was directed, written, and co-produced by Jafar Panahi. Jafar is a central part of Iranian new wave cinema with films such as The White Balloon (1995), The Circle (2000), and Crimson Gold (2003); all three films reflect the movement's themes of social critique, formal restraint, and realism. The cast of It Was Just an Accident includes Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, and Hadis Pakbaten, all of whom have never worked with the director before. Prior to it showing at the Vermont International Film Festival, it premiered on May 20th of 2025 at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, winning the acclaimed Palme d'Or.  

 

It Was Just An Accident features some amazing acting, a terrific story, beautiful shots, and a great atmosphere; however, a lot of this doesn’t fully shine until the last 30 minutes of the movie. The emotional depth of the film doesn't fully show itself until later on in the film, with the rest of it feeling somewhat muted in comparison. Nonetheless, once the movie picks up, it continues that pace until the very last shot of the film, even though the last few shots are long takes, with one lasting what felt like over fifteen minutes; it was all worth it.

 

The two powerhouses of the film are the two main actors: Vahid Mobasseri and Mariam Afshari, again, really coming into themselves during the third act. There is this raw and honest energy that both of them exude, carrying much of the emotional weight of the film. Despite the fact, every actor has their moments, especially Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr, who becomes a force to be reckoned with when pushed to his limit. There’s a real sense that every gesture, every pause, and every glance matters, and that subtlety becomes more powerful as the film progresses. The story itself—without giving anything away—is surprisingly layered. What initially seems straightforward becomes increasingly complex, more relatable, and emotionally charged as the film unfolds.

 

As stated earlier, the film really stands out in the end in how everything comes together. The final 30 minutes kept me riveted, as the film finally found its rhythm. Everything that has happened before those moments comes to a culmination, both character-wise and with the plot. This film becomes an experience, seeing the journey of these characters play out satisfyingly, showing off the craftsmanship behind the camera and behind the script; it's handled with such care and precision.

It Was Just an Accident does not rely on spectacle and is not a film that demands your attention. Instead, it invites the audience to sit with it, thinking and reflecting on the whole film in a new light after the credits roll. The film asks the viewers to think about what they are willing to do for revenge, or if they believe revenge is even worth it. For those willing to engage with a film that will leave a lasting theme, the film offers something genuinely memorable for every rewatch. The film will stay with you, not because of the grandeur, but because it whispers something meaningful to those who are willing to listen.