Tarke Amigh

Tark-e Amigh is the directorial debut of Arman Zarrinkoub, exploring the psychological dimensions of loneliness, love, and the lingering impact of the past in old age. The story unfolds in a single-location setting: Mahmoud, a man recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital, returns home—not to peace, but to an atmosphere heavy with suppressed secrets.

Fakhri, his wife, greets him with closed doors and windows, as if trying to preserve a fragile boundary between past and present. The film’s dark visual tone and tight framing reflect Mahmoud’s fragmented mental state; every room in the house becomes a mirror of his disturbed mind.

Reza Babak delivers a powerful performance, blending deceit with vulnerability, and is considered a highlight of the film. However, some critics have found Golchehreh Sajadiyeh’s performance less impactful.

“Tark-e Amigh” received awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay at the Barcelona Asian Film Festival and was screened at other international festivals like Dhaka and Chennai.

Critics are divided—some view the film as a “psychological maneuver” with an enigmatic structure and a mysterious conclusion, while others point to narrative weaknesses that undermine its cohesion. Nonetheless, it remains a bold and introspective cinematic exploration of internal collapse and emotional exile.