Woman and Child
Zan va Bache Movie (فیلم زن و بچه) Woman and Child is a 2025 Iranian social drama written and directed by Saeed Roustayi. The film follows Mahnaz, a widowed nurse raising two children while managing the pressures of work, family responsibilities, and life in a society that often limits her choices.
Story
Mahnaz is preparing to marry Hamid, an ambulance driver who works at the same hospital. Although she hopes the marriage will bring stability to her family, Hamid asks her to hide the existence of her children from his traditional parents.
At the same time, Mahnaz is struggling with her rebellious teenage son, Aliyar, who has been suspended from school. What begins as a difficult family situation soon develops into a devastating crisis. An unexpected tragedy forces Mahnaz to confront grief, betrayal, and the people she believes are responsible for her loss.
Determined to protect her family and seek justice, she refuses to remain silent. Her personal struggle gradually reveals wider issues involving social expectations, motherhood, unequal power, and the limited support available to women facing difficult circumstances.
Cast and Production
Parinaz Izadyar leads the film as Mahnaz, with Payman Maadi portraying Hamid. The cast also includes Hasan Pourshirazi, Fereshteh Sadre Orafaee, Soha Niasti, Sinan Mohebi, and Arshida Dorostkar.
The film was selected for the main competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Roustayi uses an intimate family story to examine grief, responsibility, and the social pressures placed on a single mother.
Why Watch it?
Woman and Child offers an intense, character-driven story supported by a powerful central performance. It is recommended for viewers interested in realistic Iranian cinema, family dramas, and films that explore difficult social questions through personal experiences.