Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Asghar Farhadi’s ‘Parallel Tales’ Debuts in Cannes Competition to Divided Reviews

The film seeks a U.S. buyer despite opening in France.

Overview

  • Parallel Tales, which premiered Thursday in Cannes competition, drew a multi‑minute standing ovation.
  • Critics split on the film, with some calling it among Farhadi’s best and others labeling it meandering or tedious.
  • The Paris-set drama follows a reclusive novelist who spies on neighbors and a drifter who claims her manuscript, blurring fiction with real life.
  • The project is a FranceItalyBelgium co‑production from Memento Production, Lucky Red, Panache and La Compagnie Cinématographique, and it is still seeking U.S. distribution.
  • The movie opened in French theaters during the festival and nods to Kieślowski’s Dekalog while highlighting foley and sound design work.