RATING★ TBA
WORTH IT? NO
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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Son of Man.

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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Son of Man Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

In Iran, gender-affirming surgery is legal, though it carries with it great stigma, and is usually performed so that a gay couple may lead a heteronormal life. In this one-of-a-kind film, shot in secret in Iran, a father and husband finds his fragile world endangered when a man from his past appears claiming to be his daughter's true father. He never knew his wife was pregnant when she sought a divorce, and now she's nowhere to be seen.

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✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Son of Man offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2022 landscape.

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👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Son of Man, a standout production of 2022, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into In Iran, gender-affirming surgery is legal, though it carries with it great stigma, and is usually performed so that a gay couple may lead a heteronormal life. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "In Iran, gender-affirming surgery is legal, though it carries with it great stigma, and is usually performed so that a gay couple may lead a heteronormal life. In this one-of-a-kind film, shot in secret in Iran, a father and husband finds his fragile world endangered when a man from his past appears claiming to be his daughter's true father. He never knew his wife was pregnant when she sought a divorce, and now she's nowhere to be seen."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Behnam Sharafi does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Sepideh Mir Hosseini is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 106 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Son of Man truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Son of Man explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Sepideh Mir Hosseini respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Son of Man is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Behnam Sharafi or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Son of Man is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

106MIN

At approximately 1.8 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

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