A Family Sentenced is a gripping documentary that delves into the challenging lives of Reza and his family. The film focuses on the profound impact of Reza’s imprisonment in Iran, which has not only jeopardized his own life but also thrown his wife and children into a world of turmoil. Reza’s absence has created a cascade of problems for his family, leaving them homeless and burdened with numerous financial hardships. His wife (whose name is not specified) finds herself overwhelmed as she tries to navigate life without her husband’s support.
In this difficult situation, she has sought refuge with her brother-in-law, Omid, who has become a crucial pillar of support for her and the children. As Reza’s life hangs in the balance, facing the possibility of a death sentence, his wife is confronted with a daunting choice. She must muster the strength and courage to find a way to save Reza from his dire predicament or come to terms with the devastating reality of living a life without him.
Spoilers Ahead
Reza’s Arrest
One fateful morning, a group of police officers forcefully entered Reza’s house and abruptly locked him up in a bedroom. News of the arrest reached Reza’s wife, who was at her father’s place at the time. Filled with panic and concern, she rushed to the scene, desperate to see her husband and their son, Musa. Upon arriving at the house, Reza’s wife was allowed inside by the police. However, instead of receiving answers or comfort, she faced violent and unjust treatment. The officers subjected her to horrid physical abuse before proceeding to arrest Reza, alleging that he was in possession of 500 grams of heroin.
But it is revealed that Reza is wrongfully blamed for the drug possession. Someone within their circle of relatives maliciously planted the drugs on the day of his brother-in-law’s memorial, leading to Reza’s arrest. However, no one is ready to believe them. Over the course of the two years since Reza’s arrest, his wife has been enduring an arduous journey to secure justice for her husband. To alleviate some of the financial burdens and support Reza’s legal defense, she made the difficult decision to sell their house. This sacrifice leaves the family homeless but is seen as a necessary step to secure the services of a competent lawyer who could fight for Reza’s freedom.
Disagreements Between The Sisters
The documentary explores the complex dynamics that have emerged within the household of Reza’s wife, her sister Marziyeh, and Marziyeh’s husband, Omid, as they struggle to cope with the aftermath of Reza’s arrest. The passage of two years has taken a toll on the family, particularly on Marziyeh, leading to a series of unfortunate events and distressing circumstances. Since Reza’s wife and her children have been staying with Marziyeh and Omid, the increased financial burdens and emotional strain of the situation have caused a myriad of problems for Marziyeh. With limited resources and the responsibility of caring for her sister’s children added to her own, Marziyeh finds herself overwhelmed and unable to provide adequately for her own needs and the needs of her unborn child. This has resulted in an unhealthy pregnancy, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by the family.
Omid, feeling the weight of the responsibilities, is forced to take on multiple jobs to support everyone in the household. The mounting pressure on Marziyeh has tragically led her to lash out at her own children and she even resorts to physically reprimanding them without mercy. The constant clashes with Omid and the presence of Reza’s wife and her children in their home have fueled Marziyeh’s frustration and further strained her ability to cope with the challenging circumstances. It is a distressing situation for everyone involved, with Marziyeh desperately wanting her sister and her children to find alternative arrangements, to relieve the burden on her own family.
Negative Impacts On Musa
The absence of Reza has had a significant impact on Musa, who is struggling to cope with the loss of his father. As a 14-year-old, Musa is grappling with the weight of his father’s imprisonment and the burden of newfound responsibilities that have been thrust upon him. Without the guidance and support of his father, Musa has become a chain-smoker and an alcoholic, seeking temporary relief from the overwhelming emotions that he is experiencing. Musa’s mother is acutely aware of her son’s distress and is deeply concerned about his behavior. She is worried that Musa’s self-destructive tendencies might lead him down a path of criminal activity and land him in jail, just like his father.
Despite her best efforts to reach out to him, Musa remains defiant and unresponsive, disrespecting his mother and sisters and causing a rift within the family. Musa’s mother expresses her concerns and fears to Musa, desperate to break through his emotional barriers and guide him back on a positive path. However, Musa’s mother finds that her attempts to communicate and connect with Musa yield little to no progress.
Reza’s Bail
After a long legal battle, Reza’s bail was finally sanctioned by the Supreme Court, bringing a glimmer of hope to his family. However, the celebration is short-lived as they face the daunting challenge of raising $300 million for his release. Despite the financial hurdle, Omid, with his resourcefulness, manages to gather the required funds from various sources, enabling Reza to be freed. Although Reza’s release brings a sense of relief, the family’s struggles are far from over. Months pass by, and Reza finds himself unable to secure a job, adding to the burden that Omid shoulders. The weight of the debts and constant calls from creditors take a toll on Omid’s mental well-being. Overwhelmed by the pressure, he contemplates running away from it all, seeking an escape from the never-ending cycle of financial difficulties.
Amidst these challenges, Reza and his family make the difficult decision to move out and find their own place. They hope that by doing so, they can create a more stable and secure environment for themselves and for Omid. However, the fear of Reza being arrested again looms over their heads, as his case remains unresolved and the possibility of legal consequences persists.
‘A Family Sentenced’ Ending
Reza’s wife carries a heavy burden on her shoulders, knowing that if Reza were to be arrested again, their lives would be irreversibly shattered. Reza’s wife yearns for a better future for her children, one that surpasses the challenges and limitations she herself faced, having been married off at a young age. With the looming possibility of Reza’s absence, her dreams for her children’s education and opportunities seem to fade away. The harsh reality sets in, and she contemplates the heartbreaking decision of marrying off her daughters prematurely as a means of financial survival.
It is a choice that Reza’s wife despises, but she is driven by desperation rather than the hopes she once had. The family, despite their resilience, will forever be haunted by the trials they have endured and the uncertainty that lies ahead. The scars left by their harrowing experiences will serve as a reminder of the injustices they faced and the sacrifices they were forced to make.