It Was Just an Accident starts with an idea that sounds strong on paper. An ordinary man is confronted with someone from his past, reopening memories of prison, trauma, and injustice. The setup promises moral tension and emotional depth, but the film never fully delivers on that promise.
For me, the storyline felt weak and underdeveloped. The film circles around its idea without pushing it forward. Many scenes feel repetitive, and the conversations lack weight or urgency. Instead of building tension, the dialogue often feels flat and unclear, making it hard to stay emotionally invested.
The acting did not work for me either. Performances felt amateur at times, and some scenes were honestly bad. The emotions did not feel earned, and several moments came across as staged rather than natural. This took me out of the film and made it difficult to take the story seriously.
The film is directed and written by Jafar Panahi, a filmmaker I deeply respect. His political courage and importance to cinema are undeniable. However, this film felt surprisingly weak in execution. The minimal style here did not feel intentional or sharp. It felt unfinished.
I understand why some critics praised the film for its themes and political context, but for me, intention was not enough. Cinema also needs strong writing, convincing performances, and meaningful dialogue. It Was Just an Accident left me disconnected, disappointed, and emotionally untouched.