Polaris

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!!

Filmmaker Soudabeh Moradian delivers a true masterpiece with Polaris! Not only does it tell a compelling story following Baran (Alicja Bachleda), a traumatized war photographer, but manages to integrate themes of immigration, culture and war. Great performances all around and visuals that will transport you from your home to the middle east!

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 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.

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.