The Hidden Half

Fereshteh, portrayed by Niki Karimi, starts writing a heartfelt manuscript about her life for her husband, Atila. This personal endeavor serves as a reflection of her past and the complexities she faced during a pivotal time in Iranian history.

The narrative takes us back to Fereshteh's younger self attending the University of Tehran. At the age of 18, she is surrounded by the fervor of the Islamic Revolution of 1978, grappling with her identity and beliefs amid the socio-political changes.

As the political landscape shifts due to the Shah's downfall, Fereshteh becomes intrigued by the revolutionary ideas circulating around her. This growing curiosity leads her to explore her political beliefs more deeply, placing her in the midst of the turmoil.

Driven by her passion for change, Fereshteh joins a communist group. She begins distributing clandestine flyers, deeply aware of the risks involved, which only heightens her commitment to the cause and her belief in a better future.

Amidst her activism, Fereshteh meets Roozebeh, an intellectual and magazine editor played by Mohammad Nikbin. Their meeting sparks a mutual admiration and complicates Fereshteh's emotional landscape as she navigates her beliefs and desires.

The government intensifies its search for activists, creating a climate of fear in Tehran. This escalation forces Fereshteh and others to grapple with the reality of their situation and the imminent danger they face.

Roozebeh presents Fereshteh with an opportunity to flee abroad, opening a door to escape the escalating political chaos. However, Fereshteh feels torn between her desire for safety and her commitment to the revolutionary ideals she has embraced.

The plot thickens when Roozebeh's wife enters the scene, revealing his hidden familial obligations and responsibilities. This unexpected development compels Fereshteh to reassess her feelings for Roozebeh and the implications of their potential relationship.

Faced with the realities of Roozebeh's life and her own aspirations, Fereshteh chooses to cut ties with him. She opts for a new path by marrying her husband Atila, while deciding to keep her tumultuous past a secret.

The truth about Fereshteh's past begins to unravel when Atila interviews a woman facing the death penalty. This moment becomes crucial as Fereshteh realizes the impending need to share her story and the depth of her hidden identity.

In a pivotal moment, Fereshteh strives to communicate her past to her husband with hope that he will understand. She yearns for his compassion and an open heart, seeking to bridge the gap between who she is publicly and her hidden self.

As Fereshteh pens her manuscript, she reflects on her journey from striving for political ideals to finding her personal truth. The act of writing signifies not just a recounting of events, but a healing process that helps her reconcile her past with her present.