A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

As nighttime descends upon the Iranian city of Bad City, the ambiance shifts from day to night. Arash, a youthful rockabilly type, prepares to navigate the darkness, setting the stage for the events to unfold.

While walking to his vehicle, Arash encounters a begging child who expresses despair about not having any money. This brief interaction highlights the hopelessness that permeates the city and foreshadows the struggles that lie ahead.

Inside a dimly lit room, Hossein, a middle-aged man, is seen glued to his TV. In a moment of utter desperation, he injects drugs into his toe, showcasing the depth of his addiction and his inability to cope with life's pressures.

Saeed, Hossein’s drug dealer, callously takes his car after Hossein complains about his financial struggles. This act leaves Arash yearning to reclaim the vehicle, highlighting the harsh realities of life in Bad City.

Driven by financial desperation, Arash decides to steal a pair of earrings from Shayday, his seemingly self-absorbed employer. This choice to commit theft underscores the desperate measures individuals take to survive.

In a nearby parking lot, Saeed's brusque demeanor emerges as he engages in casual sex with the prostitute Atti. His abusive behavior and superficial lifestyle indicate the moral decay prevalent around him.

The Girl, shrouded in mystery, confronts Saeed in his apartment. Despite his aggressive advances, she reveals her lethal nature and kills him, leaving behind a scene awash in blood, signifying a shift in the narrative.

Oblivious to the gruesome events, Arash attempts to retrieve his car by leaving a message on Saeed's answering machine. His innocent actions contrast sharply with the sinister reality that has unfolded in Saeed's apartment.

After discovering Saeed's lifeless body, Arash seizes the opportunity to take the car keys and is confronted with the stark remnants of Saeed’s vices: drugs and a firearm. This moment signifies Arash's deepening entanglement in the dark underbelly of Bad City.

Arash faces condemnation from his father, Hossein, who is spiraling deeper into addiction. As their cat observes their crumbling lives, the familial discord amplifies the themes of despair and hopelessness surrounding them.

In an act of desperation, Arash resorts to selling the materials from Saeed’s body to settle his debts. This showcases the lengths he is willing to go to survive in a city riddled with crime and poverty.

At a disco party while dressed as Dracula, Arash attempts to connect with a woman named Shirin. However, his efforts are thwarted as she rebuffs him, leaving Arash feeling more isolated than ever amidst the lively crowd.

Arash's path crosses with The Girl again, where they exchange meaningful glances that hint at a deeper connection. These moments create an intoxicating tension as both characters navigate their traumatic existences.

In a transformative encounter, Arash pleads with The Girl to escape the confines of their haunted lives together. Their vow to leave Bad City behind signifies a turning point, filled with hopes for a brighter future.

As Arash and The Girl drive away from Bad City, their journey is marked by whispers of hope and uncertainty. Wrapped in each other's presence, they embrace the memories yet to be created amidst the bittersweet sounds of Arabic music.