GC Movie Review - The Stoning of Soraya M.

After careful deliberation, the verdict is in: Guilty.

At this point is you begin to see people struggle to make the right choice, because their mob mentality is about to cost this woman her life, her family her children etc.

As if to literally pour herself into her niece, Zahra begins to prepare her niece’s heart, mind and body for death. As she combs her hair, the two of them begin to sing this beautiful song. When speaking to the Director Cyrus Nowrasteh, he shared that that was an unrehearsed moment and it happens to be one of the most powerful scenes in the entire film – and he’s right. It is at that moment, as it become real for her, that what’s about to happen has also become real for us - the audience.

One of the key lessons for everyone to learn in this film is that God has given us all choices. Without choices, people are enslaved. Simply, there’s freedom in having a choice. Here Soraya had no choice when it came to what the people in the village thought or did, but in the end her choice was humility and strength. It was remarkable to see her being led away to her death; she’s dressed in this pure white flowing dress, guarded by her aggressively protective aunt with a look of resolve on her face. She was ready. She had accepted her fate.

Cyrus and Sahebjam spoke extensively about authenticity of language, people and look. Basking in the beauty of the mountains, the homes in the village and the look of these villagers, you can’t help but honor their lives. Amidst all of the injustice, there is such a strong sense of family and community. Here in the states, that’s missing in many homes. The sepia tones popped on screen, there were no magical camera shots, but that really didn’t matter. This film is about the story more than anything. Cyrus found a village in the mountains primarily mad of rocks yet overlooking an incredible valley that paid authentic tribute to Iran, both culturally and environmentally; you feel their truth.

There was a gripping moment when Zahra asks Soraya, “Are you afraid?” and she responds, “Not of dying, but of the pain.” In a very weird way, her honesty not only breaks your heart but her courage also makes you proud. Her situation was not just because she was innocent, but parallel to our wonderful Savior; she did not seek retribution or spew vicious words when they gave her an opportunity to speak to her accuser. Instead Soraya M. accepted the inevitable and allowed God’s Will to be done – just like Jesus. The most horrifying moment in this film is when Soraya is placed in the hole and the crowd gathers around her preparing her end.