Synopsis
A young girl is being cared for in a vegetative state in a private nursing home, but when her two-month pregnancy is revealed, the secret of a hidden assault is revealed and the search begins to find the perpetrator…
دختری جوان در یک آسایشگاه خصوصی، در وضعیت زندگی نباتی تحت مراقبت است اما با آشکار شدن بارداری دوماهه او، راز یک تعرض پنهان فاش میگردد و جستوجو برای پیدا کردن عامل این اتفاق آغاز میشود…
Introduction & Premise
As the landscape of international independent cinema continues to embrace gripping, morally complex narratives, Persian cinema offers another profound entry with the upcoming release of Dar Sayeh (Persian: در سایه). Set to premiere on June 22, 2026, this powerful short film plunges audiences into a tense, emotionally fraught mystery that challenges societal taboos, institutional accountability, and the fragility of human rights.
Plot & Themes (Spoiler-Free)
The story of Dar Sayeh centers on a young girl confined to a private nursing home, living in a permanent vegetative state. Stripped of her voice and entirely dependent on her caregivers, her existence is upended when a routine medical examination reveals a startling truth: she is two months pregnant. This shocking discovery uncovers a dark, hidden assault within the supposedly secure walls of the facility, triggering an urgent and suspenseful search for the perpetrator. The narrative tackles heavy thematic currents, including institutional neglect, the vulnerability of marginalized individuals, and the relentless pursuit of justice in environments shrouded in secrecy.
Creative Vision & Direction
Directed by visionary filmmaker Sajad Gharegozlu, Dar Sayeh showcases a meticulous approach to pacing and atmosphere. Gharegozlu utilizes the claustrophobic setting of the private nursing home to mirror the entrapment of the protagonist. Every frame is deliberately composed, emphasizing stark lighting and lingering silences that reflect the chilling reality of a crime committed against someone unable to scream for help.
Performances & Cast Highlights
The emotional weight of the film is anchored by a stellar ensemble of celebrated Iranian actors:
- Afsaneh Chehreh Azad brings profound depth and nuance to her role, capturing the harrowing environment surrounding the facility.
- Hamidreza Pegah delivers a commanding presence, driving the narrative tension forward as the investigation unfolds.
- Siavash Cheraghi Pour rounds out the core lineup with a gritty, grounded performance that highlights the moral complexities faced by those caught in the facility’s orbit.
Production Background
Crafted with the precision characteristic of contemporary Iranian short-form storytelling, Dar Sayeh relies heavily on atmospheric sound design and subtle visual cues rather than overt exposition. Sajad Gharegozlu’s production team worked closely to ensure that the sensitive subject matter was handled with utmost journalistic and artistic integrity, transforming a harrowing premise into a sophisticated cinematic puzzle.
Why It’s Worth Watching
For cinephiles and enthusiasts of international drama, Dar Sayeh promises to be one of the most provocative cinematic releases of mid-2026. By blending a tense whodunit mystery with a poignant social critique, Sajad Gharegozlu delivers a masterclass in tension. Whether you are drawn to powerful character-driven performances or thought-provoking investigative thrillers, this short film stands out as a vital addition to the global streaming and festival circuit.
