The Apple

The Apple is a critically acclaimed film directed by Samira Makhmalbaf, notable for being her debut film at the young age of 17. This Iranian film, originally titled "Sib", was released in 1998. The movie stars Massoumeh Naderi, Zahra Naderi, and Ghorban Ali Naderi, who essentially play themselves in the film.

Telling a story that is as compelling as it is starkly real, The Apple is set in Tehran, Iran and based on actual events. In a unique approach, the movie merges the boundary of documentary and narrative cinema, creating a powerful docudrama that resonates closely with its audience.

The film focuses on the story of two preadolescent twin girls - Massoumeh (Masi) and Zahra Naderi. The kicker here is that the girls have been kept in almost extreme seclusion by their impoverished and ultra-conservative parents, reinforcing the themes of gender disparity, patriarchal control, and social discrimination.

The character of the father, Ghorban Ali Naderi, presents an extreme view of religious dedication and socioeconomic constraints. Suffering from partial blindness, he restricts his twin daughters, forbidding them from venturing into the outside world. The girls are completely housebound, devoid of basic interactions and societal learning curves. In the eyes of their father, this seclusion is a misguided attempt to protect his daughters from what he perceives to be the evil side of humanity.

Adding to the narrative is the girls' mother, who herself has been conditioned to accept this oppressively skewed family setup. She is almost absent in the girls' lives, disabled and unable to break free from the hold of her own circumstances along with the societal norms she has been moulded to accept.

The Apple brings this intense family situation to light when a concerned neighbour decides to intervene. Observing the unhealthy nature of the girls' confinement, the neighbour alerts the local social services, setting the plot into action.

Learning about the girls' situation unlocks feelings of shock, concern, and disbelief among the welfare officers, further propelling the narrative towards an unprecedented exploration of human rights, societal norms, and the power of human connection. What follows is a poignant journey, showcasing efforts to reintegrate the girls into society and form a bridge between their cloistered world and the bustling expanse of contemporary Iran.

Through this central narrative, The Apple delves into significant socio-cultural issues. It engages with the complexities of oppressive patriarchal norms, the socio-economic situation in Tehran, the importance of education, and the effects of severe isolation on the human psyche.

The formalistic experiment of utilizing non-professional actors to effectively play themselves brings a surprising level of authenticity to the narrative. Massoumeh, Zahra, and Ghorban Ali bring deeply personal and heart-wrenching performances that reflect the realities of their own lives.

From a cinematic perspective, The Apple is visually raw, reflective of Makhmalbaf's nascent and explorative directorial style. The untouched, documentary-style visuals, combined with the unique storytelling technique, give viewers a heartfelt insight into a rarely seen side of Iranian society.

The film's title, The Apple, serves as a significant symbol in the story, representing not only the innocence and curiosity of the twins but also reflecting the societal norms and socio-religious experiences of women in Iran. Notably, the symbol holds multiple interpretations adding a layer of depth to the film's narrative, which is left open to viewers' understanding.

The Apple is a film of profound humility and subtle power. It isn't just about the story of two girls; it offers a window into Iranian society, revealing the intertwining influences of culture, religion, and poverty. It's a film where the real star is the story – a story that well displays Makhmalbaf's understanding of humanity, powerful narrative capabilities, and her visionary filmmaking prowess.