Iranian filmmaking master Jafar Panahi won the Palme d'Or at Cannes 2025 for this story of a minor accident that...
Iranian filmmaking master Jafar Panahi won the Palme d'Or at Cannes 2025 for this story of a minor accident that sets in motion a series of escalating consequences.
When auto mechanic Vahid unexpectedly encounters the man who may have been his torturer in prison, he kidnaps him with the intention to exact vengeance. But since the sole clue to Eghbal’s identity is the distinct squeak of his prosthetic leg, Vahid turns to a loose circle of other now-freed victims for confirmation. And the danger only escalates. As they deal with their past and diverging worldviews, the group struggles to decide: Is this him, without a doubt? What would retribution mean, in actuality?
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It Was Just an Accident is due in cinemas on 29/01/2026.
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98 %167 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® rating
91 %74 reviewsAudience score rating
"Another very impressive serio-comic film from one of the most distinctive and courageous figures in world cinema."
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The Guardian
The Guardian"Slowly but surely builds into a stark condemnation of abusive power and its long-lasting effects."
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Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood Reporter"Beautifully-written and executed."
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Little White Lies
Little White Lies"One of the most deceptively profound movies of the year."
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Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone"Meticulously composed while exuding an air of spontaneity."
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Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times"Surprisingly generous in spirit, and in its assumptions about what retribution by people of good will looks like."
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NPR
NPR"A testament to ingenuity and courage."
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The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail"Transcends a simple desire for revenge."
—Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times"Bravely explores the limits of revenge against institutional cruelty."
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Austin Chronicle
Austin Chronicle"Designed to instigate soul-searching and debate."
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The Washington Post
The Washington Post"Melds the personal and political in the most subtle and searing of ways."
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Sight & Sound
Sight & Sound"A sharply well-acted, written and directed modern thriller."
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Seattle Times
Seattle TimesIt Was Just an Accident | Details
Award winner- Palme d'Or winner at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.
- Rating
- M, Violence, offensive language & cruelty
- Runtime
- 102
- Genre
- Drama
- Country of origin
- France, Luxembourg, Iran
