Tatami 2025

Drama

Sport

Thriller

Box Office

$20K

Runtime

1 h 45 m

Made by

Keshet Studios

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Tatami Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Tatami (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

The film tells the gripping story of Leila (Arienne Mandi), an Iranian female judoka, and her coach Maryam (Zar Amir Ebrahimi). They travel to the World Judo Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia, with the ambitious goal of bringing home Iran’s first gold medal. However, the path to victory is fraught with peril, especially considering the possibility of competing against an Israeli athlete, which is strictly prohibited by the Mullah regime.

As they navigate the intense pressures of the competition, Leila and Maryam receive alarming threats from the Islamic Republic demanding that Leila fake an injury and withdraw from the tournament. Faced with not only her own freedom but also the safety of her family, Leila must make a heart-wrenching decision: should she submit to the regime’s demands and comply, as Maryam struggles to convince her to do, or should she take a stand, defy the oppressive forces at play, and fight for her dream of gold?

Despite Maryam’s pleas for her to withdraw, Leila’s resolve to compete remains unbroken. This tension escalates into a confrontation that catches the attention of the World Judo Association officials. In a moment of frustration and despair, Leila bangs her head against a bathroom mirror, resulting in a visible gash on her forehead, a symbol of her internal struggle and turmoil.

Throughout the competition, the consequences of her determination become increasingly dire. Iranian authorities retaliate against her family, making attempts to arrest her husband and using threats to coerce her father into urging her to withdraw from the tournament via a video message. Even when World Judo Association officials step in to interview Leila regarding the threats she’s facing, she finds herself at a loss, unable to think of effective ways for them to assist her.

Leila ultimately experiences defeat in a match against a Georgian judoka. The aftermath is chaotic, as officials from the Iranian delegation try to force Maryam into a car for a return to Iran. In a courageous move, Maryam escapes and makes a run for her freedom. In a dramatic turn of events, Leila, her family, and Maryam manage to secure asylum in France, marking a significant chapter in their fight against oppression and their pursuit of a brighter future.

Tatami Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Tatami (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Departure to Tbilisi

Leila and her coach Maryam embark on their journey to Tbilisi, Georgia, for the World Judo Championships. They are both filled with hope and determination to win Iran's first gold medal in judo.

Iran

Arrival in Georgia

Upon arriving in Georgia, Leila and Maryam begin their preparations for the tournament. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as they focus on their ultimate goal, despite knowing the potential consequences of competing.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Threat from the Regime

Midway through the competition, Leila and Maryam receive ominous threats from the Iranian regime demanding that Leila fakes an injury and withdraws from the event. These threats escalate as concerns for their family's safety become paramount.

Difficult Decision

Leila is torn between complying with the regime’s demands and pursuing her dream of competition. As Maryam attempts to convince her to withdraw, the pressure mounts, leading to a significant conflict between the two.

Altercation

During a heated argument with Maryam, Leila expresses her frustration by banging her head against a bathroom mirror, resulting in a gash on her forehead. This event symbolizes her internal struggle and determination to continue competing.

Bathroom, Tbilisi

Competition Continues

Despite the injuries and threats looming over her, Leila persists in the competition. Each match becomes a testament to her resilience and unwillingness to bow to oppressive pressure.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Escalating Family Threats

As Leila competes, the Iranian authorities retaliate by threatening her family back home. They attempt to arrest her husband and pressure her father to convince her to withdraw, showcasing the dangerous reach of their control.

Request for Help

Leila is interviewed by World Judo Association officials regarding the threats she faces. Though they acknowledge her situation, she realizes that the help she seeks may not be forthcoming, complicating her resolve.

Loss in Competition

Leila faces a Georgian judoka in a critical match but ultimately loses. This defeat weighs heavily on her, as she battles not only physical opponents but also the heavy expectations placed upon her by her home country.

Tbilisi, Georgia

Forced Departure

In the aftermath of her loss, Iranian officials attempt to forcibly take Maryam back to Iran. Maryam, standing firm in her belief, decides to run away, refusing to abandon Leila in her time of need.

Seeking Asylum

In a tense and uncertain turn of events, Leila, her family, and Maryam secure asylum in France. This newfound freedom represents a victory over the oppressive regime and the start of a new chapter in their lives.

France

Life After Competitions

With the pressure of the Judo Championships behind them, Leila and Maryam begin to explore their new lives in France. They embrace the opportunities that come with safety and the liberty to pursue their dreams without fear.

France

Tatami Characters

Explore all characters from Tatami (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Leila Hosseini (Arienne Mandi)

Leila is a determined Iranian judoka with a fierce commitment to her sport and a strong desire to bring pride to her nation. She embodies resilience and courage, facing immense pressure from her family and government. Her character arc revolves around the conflict between personal ambition and societal expectations.

🥋 Athlete 🇮🇷 Resilience 💪 Courage

Maryam Ghanbari (Zar Amir Ebrahimi)

Maryam is Leila's coach and a strong advocate for her athlete's aspirations. She is torn between her responsibility to protect Leila and her belief in her potential as a competitor. Maryam's character showcases the challenges faced by female coaches in a male-dominated sport and society.

👩‍🏫 Coach 👊 Empowerment 💔 Conflict

Tatami Settings

Learn where and when Tatami (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The movie unfolds during a contemporary time period where sports, gender rights, and political tensions intersect. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by athletes from countries with strict regimes, reflecting ongoing socio-political issues. This setting contributes to the drama and urgency of the characters' decisions.

Location

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia, known for its diverse architecture and vibrant culture. The city has hosted various international events, including sports championships, making it a significant location for athletic competitions. The film 'Tatami' showcases Tbilisi as a backdrop for the emotional journey of its characters in pursuit of greatness.

🇬🇪 Capital 🥋 Sports

Tatami Themes

Discover the main themes in Tatami (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

⚖️

Freedom

The theme of freedom is prevalent throughout the film, as Leila struggles between her desire to compete and the oppressive demands of her government. The threats to her and her family's safety amplify the stakes, making her fight symbolic of a larger battle for autonomy. Ultimately, the quest for personal and familial freedom drives the narrative forward.

🤼‍♀️

Athletic Struggle

Athletic struggle is central to the film as it portrays the rigorous training and mental fortitude required in judo. Leila's dedication to her sport highlights the discipline necessary to compete at high levels. Through her journey, the film explores the sacrifices athletes make and the pressures they face, particularly in politically charged contexts.

👩‍🏫

Coaching

The dynamic between Leila and her coach Maryam emphasizes the importance of mentorship in sports. Maryam's urging for Leila to withdraw reflects the protective instincts of a coach when faced with external threats. This theme underscores the emotional and moral complexities within the coach-athlete relationship, especially under oppressive circumstances.