Closed Curtain 2014

An unnamed screenwriter finds himself at a secluded, three-story villa by the picturesque Caspian Sea, accompanied only by his pet dog, “Boy.” In a moment of secrecy, he aims to keep “Boy” hidden from the authorities, as dogs are deemed unclean under Islamic law. To further disguise himself, he shaves his head and obscures the villa’s windows with black curtains to shield his identity.

One stormy night, the tranquility of the villa is shattered when Melika and her brother Reza unexpectedly break in. They reveal that they’ve fled from an illegal beach party, where alcohol was present, and are now seeking refuge from the police. The writer urges them to leave, but Reza’s shocking revelation that his sister is suicidal stops him in his tracks as he exits to find a vehicle, leaving Melika behind.

Melika’s presence begins to unsettle the writer. She engages him in cryptic conversations, filled with theatricality and deceit, prying into his personal life. As her probing intensifies, the writer’s paranoia grows; he suspects she might be a spy for the police. Despite his protests, Melika insists on opening the curtains, causing tension to escalate. Suddenly, just as she disappears, the writer is left alone, and an ominous sound erupts as thieves break in through the back patio door. In a panic, he and “Boy” hide, listening to the chaos unfold.

The narrative pivots dramatically when acclaimed film director Jafar Panahi and his crew emerge within the villa, revealing that all prior events were purely fictitious. The filmmaker’s life unfolds in mundane moments—eating, conversing with repair workers fixing the patio window, and interacting with friends—while Melika’s presence continues to haunt him. In a surreal twist, Melika ventures into the water, prompting Panahi to follow, only for the scene to rewind, returning him to the villa. He then examines photographs on his cell phone, documenting the moments when the writer first encountered Melika and Reza. The film culminates with Panahi departing the villa, leaving Melika to watch him go.