Tehran (NAVID AZAD) – Jacob Baker, Lifestyle Editor, reviewed “The Recess,” directed by Navid Nikkhah Azad, on April 26, 2021.
The review was published on Northern Star on April 26, 2021.
“The Recess” was a complete surprise. The film is inspired by the tragic death of Iranian resident Sahar Khodayari who snuck into an Iranian football game where women aren’t allowed to attend. “The Recess” covers the hours leading up to her arrest at school. The short film looks extremely professional and the actresses showcased give great performances.
Khodayari’s preparation at the school with the help of classmates almost feels like a heist film. The last moments of the short film see Khodayari leaving school as she walks off into the distance and becomes out of focus. The viewer is presented with text explaining that Khodayari was caught, and to protest her sentence, self-immolated until she eventually died from her injuries. These pieces from director Navid Nikkhah Azad make “The Recess” a heartbreaking short film worth watching.”
