Amir Zargara’s ‘A Good Day Will Come’ is an unapologetic, heart-pounding collision between sport and revolution. This short drama, filmed in Farsi with English subtitles, throws the viewer into the heat of Iran’s political turmoil through the lens of a man with everything to lose. Arash, a fiercely ambitious wrestler, played by Sia Alipour, has his sights set on Olympic gold, not just for personal glory but for his people, who are battered by the weight of corruption and unrest.
The film’s visual language is stunning. Jelan Maxwell’s cinematography is beautifully framed – cinematic, and rich with atmosphere. The gritty streets of Iran are juxtaposed against the almost sacred purity of the wrestling mat – two worlds Arash is forced to navigate. The score hums just beneath the surface, intensifying the tension, but never overstepping into drama.
Arash is advised by his coach (Mehdi Bajestani) to keep his head down and focus on the sport. But when political protests devastate his family, Arash can’t stay silent. He steps off the mat and into the fire, joining the revolution at the cost of his career. The moment is intense, gripping, and deeply emotional, as Arash’s personal struggle mirrors the fight of an entire nation.
The acting is top-tier, with Alipour’s portrayal of Arash carrying both the steely determination of an athlete and the quiet desperation of a man torn between two impossible choices. The film builds to a haunting, tragic conclusion, but leaves us with a sense of defiance, not despair.
This is a brave, powerful film that demands attention. Amir Zargara delivers a raw, poignant story of sacrifice and resistance – a must-watch.
