Is A Separation Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, A Separation is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 123 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
A Separation Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2011, A Separation emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A married couple are faced with a difficult decision - to improve the life of their child by moving to another country or to stay in Iran and look after a deteriorating parent who has Alzheimer's disease. Unlike standard genre fare, A Separation attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and A Separation features a noteworthy lineup led by Leila Hatami . Supported by the likes of Payman Maadi and Sareh Bayat , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of A Separation (2011) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.9/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
A Separation Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: A Separation is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. A married couple are faced with a difficult decision - to improve the life of their child by moving to another country or to stay in Iran and look after a deteriorating parent who has Alzheimer's disease. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
A Separation Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: A Separation resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of A Separation demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch A Separation?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
A Separation Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $24.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
A Separation Budget
The estimated production budget for A Separation is $5.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of A Separation
- Leila Hatami – Simin
- Payman Maadi – Nader
- Sareh Bayat – Razieh
- Sarina Farhadi – Termeh
- Shahab Hosseini – Hojjat
Top Highlights
Leila HatamiSimin
Payman MaadiNader
Sareh BayatRazieh
Sarina FarhadiTermeh
Shahab HosseiniHojjat
Kimia HosseiniSomayyeh
Ali-Asghar ShahbaziNader's Father
Babak KarimiInterrogator
Merila ZareiMiss Ghahraii
Shirin YazdanbakhshSimin's Mother
Where to Watch A Separation Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
A Separation is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.9/10, and global collection metrics, A Separation stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2011 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Separation movie hit or flop?
A Separation is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.9/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is A Separation worth watching?
Yes, A Separation is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
Where can I watch A Separation online?
A Separation may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for A Separation
Great movie around and simple yet neat story with great characters, script and performances. You can totally believe the story is just happening at your building stairs.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
