The Past (2013 film)

The Past (French: Le Passé) is a 2013 French-Iranian drama film directed by Asghar Farhadi. It stars Bérénice Bejo, Tahar Rahim, and Ali Mosaffa.

The film tells the story of Ahmad, an Iranian man who travels from Tehran to Paris to finalize his divorce with his estranged French wife, Marie. His arrival in France unearths a complicated past and hidden tensions within Marie's new relationship with Samir, and his son Fouad. As Ahmad attempts to help Marie and Samir resolve their issues, secrets and unspoken truths gradually emerge, impacting everyone involved and forcing them to confront the consequences of their past actions.

The Past explores themes of guilt, regret, communication breakdown, and the lasting effects of past relationships on present lives. The film delves into the complexities of intercultural relationships and the challenges of moving on from past traumas. It was critically acclaimed for its nuanced performances, intricate plot, and Farhadi's direction. The film was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, where Bérénice Bejo won the award for Best Actress. It was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards.