It Was Just an Accident

It Was Just an Accident | 2025 | 12A | Dir. Jafar Panahi | Iran | IMDb 7.4 | Subtitled | 103 mins

Directed in total secrecy by the legendary, banned Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi, this sensational political thriller recently captured the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It is a profound exploration of trauma, systemic oppression, and the ambiguous nature of justice.

The film treads a moral tightrope. Rather than settling for a standard Hollywood revenge fantasy, Panahi crafts a slow-burning ethical dilemma. The film asks hard, uncomfortable questions about whether a cycle of eye-for-an-eye violence can ever truly yield justice or healing.

It is often comic and humorous. Despite the dark, high-stakes subject matter, the film finds unexpected levity in the absurdities of daily Iranian life. Moments like the kidnappers running out of petrol and pushing their getaway van, or dealing with corrupt officials who grin while pulling out contactless card machines for bribes, inject a brilliant layer of biting social satire.

Real World Urgency. Knowing this film was shot covertly, using handheld cameras without official permission from a hostile regime, adds a palpable layer of real-world urgency and bravery to every single frame.

A truly original film which thanks to the courage and the bravery of all involved, shines a light Into life in Iran and recognises our common humanity and emotions.

·       Screen 1

·       Doors open 7pm (or when Odeon staff permit entry)

·       Welcome from our chair Paula Stott @ 7.30pm

·       Free parking after 6pm if you DISPLAY an orange parking voucher, available from Odeon staff

·       Unreserved seating

·       We invite every viewer to score the film afterwards using a token system in the lobby