Polaris

Polaris is a fantastic. Gritty and intense, it's an incredibly well made film. I was immediately drawn in by the mesmerizing Alicia Bachleda as Baran, a war photographer struggling with PTSD. Full of secrets she must conceal from her husband, Poorya (excellent performance as well by Bahram Rahda), Baran wrestles with her truths in a performance that is truly captivating. Strong and solid performances, a complex drama that tackles war, PTSD and love, Polaris is something every movie lover will appreciate. Highly Recommend.

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.

What a terrific indie film!! The story grabbed me right out of the gate. Bravo to the writer and director, Soudabeh Moradian. He did such a good job! I thought the film moved along at a nice pace. I was engaged throughout. The acting was spot on! Casting did a really good job in this area. I liked all of the actors. In particular the lead actress Alicja Bachleda. This film scores a thumbs up from me!!

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.

Filmmaker Soudabeh Moradian provides a very gripping look at wartime through the lens of a photographer suffering PTSD. This is a super gritty, intense film that you have to watch.