Not Without My Daughter is a 1991 drama film based on the true story of American woman Betty Mahmoody and her daughter Mahtob who were trapped in Islamic Iran by Betty's abusive husband, Sayyed Bozorg Mahmoody. The film stars Sally Field as Betty Mahmoody and Alfred Molina as Sayyed Bozorg Mahmoody.
The movie begins with Betty and her husband traveling to Iran to visit Sayyed Bozorg Mahmoody's family. But soon after their arrival, Sayyed Bozorg Mahmoody reveals his true intention of staying in Iran permanently, trapping Betty and their daughter Mahtob in a foreign land with no way out.
Betty tries to get help from the American embassy and her husband's family, but they are either unable or unwilling to assist her. She is subjected to physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband and his family, who enforce strict Islamic customs that are oppressive to women.
Despite the constant danger and threats, Betty never loses hope and remains determined to escape Iran with her daughter. She befriends a sympathetic Iranian woman who helps her make plans to flee the country. The film builds towards an intense and emotional climax, as Betty risks everything to rescue herself and her daughter from their captors.
Not Without My Daughter is a powerful and emotional story of a mother's love and determination in the face of incredible challenges. The film highlights the oppression of women in Islamic societies and the difficulties faced by those trapped in abusive relationships.