Once in a while, I come across a movie I have to share. Today, that movie is The Stoning of Soraya M. So what’s it about?
Set in 1986 Iran at the start of Khomeini’s reign, director Cyrus Nowrasteh’s drama tells the true story of Soraya (Mozhan Marnò), whose husband plots to have her falsely accused of adultery so he can divorce her and marry a young girl. French journalist Freidoune (Jim Caviezel) is pulled into Soraya’s tragic story when he meets a desperate woman named Zahra (Shohreh Aghdashloo).
Let’s just get to it. This was the most awful movie I’ve ever seen. When I say awful, I’m not talking about the script, directing, or acting. I’m talking about the fact it left me a sobbing mess. I’ve never watched a movie so traumatically touching in my entire life. Just reflecting on it brings tears to my eyes. Even worse, it’s based on a true story.
I tried to tell my daughter about this movie when she came home, and I lost it. Completely lost it. Wrenching sobs, snot flying, tear-drenched tissues. I was so pathetic, my daughter ended up excusing herself from the room.
The Verdict
I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars, but here’s the thing. If I could do it over again, I would honestly skip this movie. It was just so absolutely awful. My eyes are so achy right now, I just want this whole day to be over.