A Separation

Nader, Simin, and their daughter Termeh live in a flat in Tehran, reflecting their secular, upper-middle-class lifestyle. Simin dreams of a better life abroad, yearning for opportunities outside Iran for her family.

Simin's desire to move abroad creates tension with Nader, who is unwilling to leave due to his ailing father suffering from Alzheimer's. This fundamental disagreement leads to Simin filing for divorce as a desperate measure to resolve their conflicting dreams.

Simin's divorce filing is dismissed by the family court, which deems her reasons inadequate. Facing the harsh reality of their situation, Simin moves back to her parents' home, while Termeh decides to stay with Nader.

To manage his father's care, Nader hires Razieh, a deeply religious woman from a less privileged background. This decision introduces new dynamics to their household, as Razieh brings her young daughter Somayeh along each day.

As Razieh grapples with the overwhelming demands of caring for Nader's father, he escapes into the street one afternoon. This incident raises alarms about her capability to handle the situation, reflecting the burden on her shoulders.

Nader and Termeh return home to find Nader’s father unconscious on the bedroom floor, restrained to the bed. The absence of Razieh and Somayeh at this moment raises further suspicions about her neglect.

Following the horrifying discovery, Nader accuses Razieh of neglect and stealing money intended for moving expenses. The confrontation escalates when Razieh refuses to leave without compensation, leading to a violent expulsion.

After the violent encounter, Nader and Simin receive devastating news that Razieh has suffered a miscarriage. This tragic event forces Nader to contend with the possible legal consequences of his earlier actions.

Tensions escalate as Nader and Razieh face each other in court, supported by their respective families. Razieh claims Nader was aware of her pregnancy, leading to a complex web of accusations and conflicting statements.

Termeh begins to feel the weight of the situation, initially believing Razieh but ultimately swayed by her father’s teachings. She decides to protect Nader by testifying that he was unaware of Razieh's pregnancy until it was disclosed.

During court proceedings, Nader argues that the staircase railing makes it unlikely Razieh could have fallen down the stairs as she claimed. His defense adds another layer to the convoluted story and the blame game unfolding between both parties.

Hodjat, Razieh's husband, struggles with his own frustrations after losing his job, leading to violent outbursts that endanger Termeh. Simin feels compelled to urge Nader to settle matters with Hodjat to protect their daughter.

The family court eventually grants Nader and Simin a divorce after a lengthy process filled with grievances and accusations. This decision highlights the deep emotional scars left in the wake of their unraveling family.

The film culminates as Termeh is prepared to tell the judge her living preference, amidst her parents waiting separately outside the court. This moment encapsulates the emotional turmoil and fractured bonds within the family.