The Past is an excellent 2013 French-Iranian film written and directed by Asghar Farhadi (the auteur also of 2011’s A Separation).
An Iranian, Ahmad, married to a French woman, Marie, from whom he’s been separated for 4 years, returns to France to complete the couple’s divorce. His soon-to-be-ex-wife and her two daughters (Lucie, about 17 and Lea, 10) from an even earlier marriage, are now living with Samir (an Arab) whom she wishes to marry and his 5 year old son, Fouad. The story unwinds slowly and deeply, with wonderful acting from the adults and the children, and extraordinary capturing of the emotional realities.
Lucie is doggedly opposed to the new relationship, seemingly because Samir’s wife Celine remains alive in a deep coma following a suicide attempt that Lucie believes has been triggered by Marie and Samir’s relationship. Marie asks Ahmad, who has continuing positive relationships with Lucie and Lea, to try to negotiate what’s going on. There are complications…
The movie is totally absorbing, avoids becoming melodramatic, and reflects well the differing realities of all involved. Well worth it!