Polaris

Polaris is a moving and realistic portrayal of an Iranian-American war photographer struggling with PTSD. The production value and cinematography is very high, taking you to locations domestic and abroad, while the acting and direction help you get into the story, avoiding overt politics. Overall a great war and diaspora drama, not often told from the perspective of a female protagonist.

It takes a while to get your bearings in the story, but once you do, the film is a satisfying slow-burn, unravelling with enough secrets and twists to keep you engaged. The acting is mostly strong, but the two lead characters aren't particularly endearing, and their motives and actions are sometimes questionable. The film spends most of it's time in one location, but doesn't overstay it's welcome as the film is cleverly interspersed with jumps in time and space. The cinematography is lovely and keeps you engaged with the story. Ultimately, the film feels original and unformulaic, and stays uncompromising to the end.

With beautiful imagery and inherent complexity, this film is mesmerizing. Soudabeh Moradian really brings us into the world of ptsd through a female perspective. It is a very forward thinking piece about a relationship and personal struggle told through the point of view of a woman. I appreciated the power of female bonding that I experienced in this film. I found it to be compelling, relevant and refreshing.

Polaris Iranian-American filmmaker Soudabeh Moradian delivers a complex dark drama about a woman, Baran, an immigrant journalist of half-Iranian, half-European descent who suffers from PTSD, played perfectly by Alicja Bachleda, Polaris is a well crafted independent film with high production qualities and an ensemble of good actors. The characters are credible, armed with war memories, past love, and cultural dilemmas. Each with secrets, fears, and remembrance. Memories come crashing in when the three meet accidentally. Uncovered layers of fear, love, and sadness peel away, exposing the fragile life of the three characters. Polaris is worth every minute.

Polaris is is a very compelling and suspenseful film. This story takes a while to figure out but that's part of the intrigue, it's so unpredictable. film. Alicia Bachleda as Baran, a war photographer struggling with PTSD is captivating full of secrets she must conceal from her husband, Poorya (excellent performance as well by Bahram Rahda), Baran . The gritty world adds a nice backdrop with really interesting actors and the effects of PTSD. ,