There Is No Evil is a powerful Iranian drama film directed by Mohammad Rasoulof. The film is divided into four distinct segments that are connected thematically. Each segment explores the consequences of carrying out the death penalty on a human being.
The first segment follows a soldier named Heshmat who is in charge of carrying out the execution of a prisoner. He struggles with his conscience and the weight of his actions as he tries to justify his role in the execution. In the second segment, we meet Pouya, a young man who is forced to decide between carrying out the death penalty as a soldier or abandoning his duty and risking punishment. The third segment introduces us to Javad, an older man who questions his role in carrying out executions after experiencing a personal tragedy. Finally, the fourth segment focuses on Bahram, a man who has worked as an executioner for years and must confront the consequences of his actions on his family and relationships.
As the film progresses, we see how the decision to carry out the death penalty affects each character in different ways. It takes a toll on their mental health, their relationships, and their sense of morality. The film asks important questions about the morality of capital punishment and the role of individuals in carrying out these executions.
There Is No Evil won the Golden Bear award at the 2020 Berlin International Film Festival. The film was banned in Iran, and Rasoulof was sentenced to one year in prison for "propaganda against the system" for making the film.