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Asghar Farhadi’s ‘Parallel Tales’ Premieres in Cannes Competition With Standing Ovation and Mixed Reviews

The Cannes bow signals a shift toward formal play and sound‑driven storytelling for the two‑time Oscar winner.

Overview

  • Farhadi’s French‑language drama premiered in Cannes Competition on Thursday, drawing roughly a five to seven minute standing ovation.
  • Early reviews praised the cast and precise sound design but criticized pacing and repeated beats that make the film feel long and diffuse.
  • The film opened the same day in French theaters, and U.S. distribution is still being sought.
  • Farhadi told Reuters he crossed his own “red lines” by experimenting with structure, using a voyeurism premise freely inspired by Kieślowski’s Dekalog: Episode Six.
  • The ensemble features Isabelle Huppert, Virginie Efira, Vincent Cassel, Pierre Niney and Adam Bessa, runs about 2 hours 19–20 minutes, and highlights foley craft that turns everyday noises into on‑screen effects.