From the strat, there is a ton of buzz around which 2025 film will be crowned the Best Picture award at the 98th Oscars, many are already questioning which film it could be. Winning the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival is always an early sign as to what film that could be. Anora won both the Palme d’Or and Best Picture awards the previous year, and Anatomy of a Fall did the year before for the Palme d’Or, along with a Best Picture nomination. This year’s crowned Palme d’Or winner went to It Was Just an Accident, an Iranian film that brings a reflective discussion on resolving matters with violence, balanced physical humor and a reason to have faith in others. 

The film follows a man named Vahid who believes he ran into Eghbal, a former intelligence agent who brought misfortune into his life. Vahid attempts to carry out revenge on him, but is unsure if he has the right person. Vahid spends nearly most of the runtime asking various sources whether or not he is in possession of Eghbal, in hopes of not hurting the wrong man. 

That itching question on whether or not Vahid is willing to make that careful mistake is what makes this film captivating to be absorbed in. The film opens on the man presumed to be Eghbal driving down a highway with his family, when he then runs over a dog out on the street. The man treats the incident as insignificant and tells his family it was just an accident. He treats it as if he just stepped on gum and there was nothing major in taking the life of an innocent dog. 

Following this, Vahid runs into two different dogs at two crucial points and takes precaution not to run them over. The first time when he debates on kidnapping the man he believes to be Eghbal, he chooses to let the dog cross the street safely and though he immediately kidnaps Eghbal, he does not instantly kill him as he is unsure as to whether it is him. The last time he runs into a dog is again during another crucial moment where Vahid has to make a choice in a matter of life or death. This choice of using dogs as symbolism is no mere coincidence. Dogs in many cultures are believed to be guidances for souls and align with one’s fate. Vahid’s innocent interaction with both dogs is a clear indication on the fate he is destined with, for better or worse. 

Director and writer Jafar Panahi does a masterful job at deconstructing Iran’s authoritarian government and the many lives it has ruined. Every character has suffered at the hand of one federal agent who abused his power to exploit them. Whether they protested against the cruel regime or were detained for even less, each character in the film expresses how much they desire their passionate revenge on the man who took their innocence and freedom away. 

When the cast of characters all wind up in possession of the agent, even though they outnumber him, they all put the question to the test of whether this small act of revolution will bring any justice for them. 

Even with its discourse on the matters of bringing revenge on one’s oppressors, Panahi balances these moments with tenderness between love and family and comical moments between the cast. 

4.5 out of 5 stars 

The film is one to certainly see its moral dilemma of taking justice into our own hands can mean for the people. In a world filled with violence, can it be offered with more violence or a brave act of compassion even to one’s enemies?  It was Just An Accident is an overall excellent political thriller that delivers comical and in-depth performances.