Premiered at Sundance, Shayda centers on an Iranian woman trying to preserve normalcy during Nowruz for her 6 year old daughter in Australia, while trying to escape the manipulations of her separated, abusive husband. Shayda immediately feels personal, and it is director/writer Noora Niasari telling the story of her own mother. While the movie centers on the mother, the daughter's own eyes and experience are brought to life. A brief sequence filmed from the child's perspective is particularly chilling. While this story is intimate and personal as a moment, it also feels timely as Iranian women today courageously protest and risk their lives for rights richly deserved. Performances are stellar by Zar Amir Ebrahimi and child actor Selina Zahednia.
11 Reviews
A tale of resilience an strength
steveinadelaide8 October 2023
This powerful and affecting drama tells the story of Shayda, who is a young Iranian mother who has immigrated to Australia. She seeks refuge with her daughter at an Australian women's shelter during the two weeks of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz) after experiencing abuse from her husband. Shayda wants to build a new life for herself and her daughter. But when a judge rules that her husband can have unsupervised access to see Mona, things become more complicated.
The acting in Shayda is excellent, especially Zar Amir Ebrahimi's performance as Shayda. The characters are well-developed and three-dimensional. The slow pacing allows time for this to happen. Shayda and Mona's characters are very compelling. The dialogue is well-written and feels authentic, particularly in the scenes when Shayda tells her story to a lawyer. It's a potent scene.
Nora Niasari's direction is strong, and the movie's verité-style intensity gives it the feel of a thriller (in terms of predictability rather than action), which adds to the tension and emotional impact of the story. The cinematography by Sherwin Akbarzadeh feels immersive, and the use of shadows and lighting adds to the film's atmosphere. The movie is also shown on screen in a tucked-in aspect ratio where the image is presented with black bars on all four sides of the screen, creating a smaller, more condensed image. This makes our experience of the story more intense and immersive because it concentrates the drama and emotion of the story. I mentioned the pacing of the movie, allowing for the development of rich three-dimensional characters. There are times, however, when the film feels a bit slow.
Shayda made me feel a range of emotions: sadness and anger at the abuse Shayda and her daughter experienced to hope and admiration for the resilience and strength that enabled them to survive and rise above their circumstances.
Shayda is not just a drama for entertainment. It tells about the struggles of Iranian women everywhere and the strength of the love of a mother for her children. The relationship between Shayda and Mona was portrayed with such authenticity and heart, and the tenderness with which Shayda nurtures and guides Mona through the complex situation they are experiencing was profoundly moving to me.
Shayada is a powerful movie, and if you are interested in stories about women's struggles and resilience, then make sure you check it out. A word of caution: the movie deals with heavy themes and may not be suitable for all audiences. Highly recommended.
The acting in Shayda is excellent, especially Zar Amir Ebrahimi's performance as Shayda. The characters are well-developed and three-dimensional. The slow pacing allows time for this to happen. Shayda and Mona's characters are very compelling. The dialogue is well-written and feels authentic, particularly in the scenes when Shayda tells her story to a lawyer. It's a potent scene.
Nora Niasari's direction is strong, and the movie's verité-style intensity gives it the feel of a thriller (in terms of predictability rather than action), which adds to the tension and emotional impact of the story. The cinematography by Sherwin Akbarzadeh feels immersive, and the use of shadows and lighting adds to the film's atmosphere. The movie is also shown on screen in a tucked-in aspect ratio where the image is presented with black bars on all four sides of the screen, creating a smaller, more condensed image. This makes our experience of the story more intense and immersive because it concentrates the drama and emotion of the story. I mentioned the pacing of the movie, allowing for the development of rich three-dimensional characters. There are times, however, when the film feels a bit slow.
Shayda made me feel a range of emotions: sadness and anger at the abuse Shayda and her daughter experienced to hope and admiration for the resilience and strength that enabled them to survive and rise above their circumstances.
Shayda is not just a drama for entertainment. It tells about the struggles of Iranian women everywhere and the strength of the love of a mother for her children. The relationship between Shayda and Mona was portrayed with such authenticity and heart, and the tenderness with which Shayda nurtures and guides Mona through the complex situation they are experiencing was profoundly moving to me.
Shayada is a powerful movie, and if you are interested in stories about women's struggles and resilience, then make sure you check it out. A word of caution: the movie deals with heavy themes and may not be suitable for all audiences. Highly recommended.
You can change your appearance but not who you really are.
Blue-Grotto25 November 2023
Shayda and her six-year-old daughter, Mona, attempt to find their freedom and footing in the world after fleeing from Iran to Australia to escape Hossein, an abusive husband and father. Shayda and Mona live in a secret shelter for women as the divorce and visitation rights are worked out. Hossein doesn't give up easily though. He uses all the considerable powers at his disposal to lure the mother and daughter back. Tricks, false promises of change, violence, and threats are all on the table as Hossein journeys from Iran to bring the women back. He will lure Mona alone if needed.
Writer and director Noora Niasari, present at this Canadian premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, draws upon her own childhood experiences to craft this heart-rending and captivating thriller. Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Shayda) won the Best Actress award at Cannes for last year's Holy Spider. As Shayda she plays a similar role as in Holy Spider; a lone woman fighting the might of an authoritarian and male-dominated society (if she tackles Australia, next she can battle Iran, LOL)! Again, Zar Amir Ebrahimi is spectacular.
I wish that Niasari was better able, through imagery and dialogue, to emphasize her themes of rebirth, the Persian new year, and the fires of joy and love that burn away pain, but the results are good enough. May we always recognize such scumbags as Hossein from the beginning so that we can avoid them before they sink their claws into us. The film helps us recognize them with their hollow promises and their disguised yet unempathetic nature.
Writer and director Noora Niasari, present at this Canadian premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, draws upon her own childhood experiences to craft this heart-rending and captivating thriller. Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Shayda) won the Best Actress award at Cannes for last year's Holy Spider. As Shayda she plays a similar role as in Holy Spider; a lone woman fighting the might of an authoritarian and male-dominated society (if she tackles Australia, next she can battle Iran, LOL)! Again, Zar Amir Ebrahimi is spectacular.
I wish that Niasari was better able, through imagery and dialogue, to emphasize her themes of rebirth, the Persian new year, and the fires of joy and love that burn away pain, but the results are good enough. May we always recognize such scumbags as Hossein from the beginning so that we can avoid them before they sink their claws into us. The film helps us recognize them with their hollow promises and their disguised yet unempathetic nature.
Impressive debut feature
glenaobrien18 March 2024
Directed by Noora Niasari, Shayda narrates the experience of an Iranian immigrant (played well by Zar Amir Ebrahimi) in danger of losing her daughter to a possessive and violent husband (Osamah Sami). Supported by friends in a women's shelter run by the sympathetic Joyce (Leah Purcell), Shayda must carve out a new life for herself and her daughter Mona (Selina) free of the constraints of past. The story takes place over the celebration of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz).
The film was submitted to the Academy as Australia's entry for best International Film. It wasn't selected but it was nominated for nine AACTA awards and won for Best Casting. It's an impressive debut feature film from Niasari who won the Best Direction award from the Australian Directors Guild in 2023. Films like this have an important role to play in helping us understand the experience of migrants as well as breaking down prejudice. Broken relationships and their outcomes are common human experiences knowing no national, racial, political or religious boundaries.
The film was submitted to the Academy as Australia's entry for best International Film. It wasn't selected but it was nominated for nine AACTA awards and won for Best Casting. It's an impressive debut feature film from Niasari who won the Best Direction award from the Australian Directors Guild in 2023. Films like this have an important role to play in helping us understand the experience of migrants as well as breaking down prejudice. Broken relationships and their outcomes are common human experiences knowing no national, racial, political or religious boundaries.
You'll leave a piece of your heart in the theatre
salujaorama7 September 2023
Finally, an authentic representation of what life can be like for people of colour in Australia. The nuanced and complex characters make you want to go with them on their journey even when the film is over. Noora Niasari has smashed it out of the park with her debut and I can't wait to see more from this director!! The camera team has done a fantastic job to capture the sometimes dark but muted beauty of Melbourne
The lead actors are phenomenal and the subtle twists and turns in the move always keep you glued to the screen. Australian film making at its finest. It would be a tragedy to miss this film in the theatres.
A perfect movie
GelaPour4 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Shayda was truly moving and real. It brought tears to my eyes.
The genuine warmth and authenticity of the story, the outstanding performances by the actors, and the director's artistic touch were truly mesmerising. I highly recommend watching it.
One clever aspect of the film was its use of old Iranian pop music as the exclusive soundtrack. It provided a rare source of joy during challenging times for many. I also appreciated the significance of sentimental objects like the Mecca necklace, which is instantly recognisable to Iranians of that generation and serves as a symbol of Shayda's ex's ideological background.
The appearance of Noora's mother, the real Shayda, at one of the parties, and the movie's conclusion with her hopeful words, added a touching layer to the story.
I think, Shayda is a film that beautifully pictures themes of love, community, and women's resilience.
The genuine warmth and authenticity of the story, the outstanding performances by the actors, and the director's artistic touch were truly mesmerising. I highly recommend watching it.
One clever aspect of the film was its use of old Iranian pop music as the exclusive soundtrack. It provided a rare source of joy during challenging times for many. I also appreciated the significance of sentimental objects like the Mecca necklace, which is instantly recognisable to Iranians of that generation and serves as a symbol of Shayda's ex's ideological background.
The appearance of Noora's mother, the real Shayda, at one of the parties, and the movie's conclusion with her hopeful words, added a touching layer to the story.
I think, Shayda is a film that beautifully pictures themes of love, community, and women's resilience.
SHAYDA DOESN'T DELIVER & OVERRATED
movieguy300025 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Based on a true story this film is shot beautifully and the actors are very good (not great) and the music and production is produced exceptionally.
The story is a little too long, about 15-20 min too long, there are significant pacing issues and the story which is of a refugee should have been compelling and emotional, yes there are moments, but it failed to connect with me as a middle eastern person from the same region.
There are problems with the style of storytelling - the problem the film fails to move the story forward instead it cuts back and forth between mundane scenes that don't move the story forward and then serious scenes.
I give credit to the little girl who did an incredible job in this.
Overall the film's intentions are nice, but I fail to see why this film is winning awards when there are far better films that tell an emotional, thought-provoking, powerful story that actually moves you.
This missed the mark by a lot, and poor and inexperienced direction. Doesn't matter if the film is produced by Cate Blanchette, tell me a good story that will actually and me cry, and you will have the audience in the palm of your hands.
A lot of these awards are very political and there are favoritism especially knowing that Cate Blanchette is attached. The diversity and person of color ticking boxes is always a draw card, a film should be based on its merit and not because of its diversity.
Overall, a film well-made but overrated.
The story is a little too long, about 15-20 min too long, there are significant pacing issues and the story which is of a refugee should have been compelling and emotional, yes there are moments, but it failed to connect with me as a middle eastern person from the same region.
There are problems with the style of storytelling - the problem the film fails to move the story forward instead it cuts back and forth between mundane scenes that don't move the story forward and then serious scenes.
I give credit to the little girl who did an incredible job in this.
Overall the film's intentions are nice, but I fail to see why this film is winning awards when there are far better films that tell an emotional, thought-provoking, powerful story that actually moves you.
This missed the mark by a lot, and poor and inexperienced direction. Doesn't matter if the film is produced by Cate Blanchette, tell me a good story that will actually and me cry, and you will have the audience in the palm of your hands.
A lot of these awards are very political and there are favoritism especially knowing that Cate Blanchette is attached. The diversity and person of color ticking boxes is always a draw card, a film should be based on its merit and not because of its diversity.
Overall, a film well-made but overrated.
Best actors
ghaempanah-0770110 September 2023
Best performance by Selina Zahednia child actor. Premiered at Sundance, Shayda centers on an Iranian woman trying to preserve normalcy during Nowruz for her 6 year old daughter in Australia, while trying to escape the manipulations of her separated, abusive husband. Shayda immediately feels personal, and it is director/writer Noora Niasari telling the story of her own mother. While the movie centers on the mother, the daughter's own eyes and experience are brought to life. A brief sequence filmed from the child's perspective is particularly chilling. While this story is intimate and personal as a moment, it also feels timely as Iranian women today courageously protest and risk their lives for rights .
Good Intentions But Didn't Have a Major Impact With Me
chenp-547081 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Saw this at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival
"Shayda" is a story about a young Iranian mother and her six-year-old daughter find refuge in an Australian women's shelter during the two weeks of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz). The film captives a strong storytelling about mother and daughter bond, immigration, and escaping from hell. While the film does offer some interesting aspects, the film didn't fully connected with me as I thought the overall film was service level and pretty tame.
The 1:33:1 aspect ratio camerawork felt purposeful for the film's tone and setting, the production is good, and the performances from the cast members are great. Zar Amir Ebrahimi continues to achieve great style and emotions after her work in "Holy Spider" and the child actor was pretty good as well. However, the main story didn't have a huge emotional weight with me as I felt the film was pretty predictable and a bit too tame.
It's clear what direction it is going for but the overall film was mostly okay. Good intentions with a predictable story.
Rating: C+
"Shayda" is a story about a young Iranian mother and her six-year-old daughter find refuge in an Australian women's shelter during the two weeks of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz). The film captives a strong storytelling about mother and daughter bond, immigration, and escaping from hell. While the film does offer some interesting aspects, the film didn't fully connected with me as I thought the overall film was service level and pretty tame.
The 1:33:1 aspect ratio camerawork felt purposeful for the film's tone and setting, the production is good, and the performances from the cast members are great. Zar Amir Ebrahimi continues to achieve great style and emotions after her work in "Holy Spider" and the child actor was pretty good as well. However, the main story didn't have a huge emotional weight with me as I felt the film was pretty predictable and a bit too tame.
It's clear what direction it is going for but the overall film was mostly okay. Good intentions with a predictable story.
Rating: C+
Deeply moving
ww-5215 September 2023
Shayda is an astonishing debut film. It lays bare the complex and at first subtle ways the husband tries to use and manipulate his 'beloved' wife and daughter, and the enormous resilience, strength, courage, adaptability, and intelligence the women, including the wife, the 6-year-old daughter, the shelter owner and the other women and children living there, require and display as they fight hard to preserve their joy and inner peace and retake control over their lives. The best possible performances, directing, cinematography, and writing. Incredibly inspiring and empowering despite the painful subject matter.
A Deeply Moving Film
ladymidath25 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
For anyone who has suffered through the horrors of domestic abuse, this is a movie that explores this with sensitivity and a realism that really brings it all home.
The actors are all brilliant in their roles and the story is allowed to unfold in a quiet series of scenes that tell a sad tale of a mother and her daughter trying to build a life while her abusive controlling husband, stalks, harasses and threatens them both.
The most heartbreaking part though is seeing the pain and confusion in the face of their young daughter who loves her father but fears for her mother, knowing how abusive and controlling he is.
One thing about Australian movies, they are excellent at quiet nuanced storytelling, quiet dramas that have real impact.
This is a movie that might not be for everyone due to its subject matter, but it is worth seeing.
The actors are all brilliant in their roles and the story is allowed to unfold in a quiet series of scenes that tell a sad tale of a mother and her daughter trying to build a life while her abusive controlling husband, stalks, harasses and threatens them both.
The most heartbreaking part though is seeing the pain and confusion in the face of their young daughter who loves her father but fears for her mother, knowing how abusive and controlling he is.
One thing about Australian movies, they are excellent at quiet nuanced storytelling, quiet dramas that have real impact.
This is a movie that might not be for everyone due to its subject matter, but it is worth seeing.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
