Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival – The Iranian film Zalava is not your typical exorcist film, and I mean that in the very best way. Rather than gross-out moments, Zalava hits a bit deeper, even blending romance, satire, and demonic possession. Like the very best and often quieter moments of The Exorcist, this film concerns itself with matters of faith, doubt, and most of all, superstition.

Set just before the Iranian Revolution of the late 1970s, Zalava follows military officer Masoud Ahmadi (Navid Pourfaraj). He’s tasked with investigating claims of demonic possession in the town of Zalava. Instead of calming the people, however, Masoud worsens matters by first confiscating their guns and then arresting local famed exorcist Amardan (Pouria Rahimi Sam). Masoud is tired of watching townspeople shoot each other below the waist to exorcise demons. He’s also convinced that Amardan is a charlatan who claims he can capture demons in a pickle jar and then tame them.

The tension between Amardan and Masoud only escalates. You have a skeptic and a believer, or at least someone who claims to be a believer because it puts him in good standing with the townspeople and makes him a local celeb. This conflict between the two men anchors much of the film, and it works quite well. This isn’t a movie where you see anything supernatural necessarily, but there’s a lot of intriguing debate about skepticism versus faith, specifically belief in the supernatural. The film doesn’t draw any definite conclusions, but it does show how a belief in something, including a supernatural entity, can overtake a community and lead to pretty severe consequences. This is a town that doesn’t want to change.

Meanwhile, Hoda Zeinolabedin plays Malihe, a doctor, and Masoud’s old flame. These two have real chemistry together. In fact, she’s the only one who can soften the overly stoic Masoud. On the one hand, she certainly has faith in science and medicine, but on the other hand, she’s a little more willing to believe that a demon may be contained in a pickle jar compared to her purely skeptical ex. It’s another fascinating layer within the movie.

Director Arsalan Amiri has quite a talent for establishing mood and tone. Shots of a full moon or the sound of wind moving through the trees become incredibly powerful. There’s always a hint that something supernatural may be at play, but it’s never stated explicitly. Still, Amiri creates a haunting atmosphere that allows the viewer to decide whether or not demons actually torment the poor townspeople.

If you’re looking for the typical demonic possession movie, then Zalava isn’t the movie for you. There are a few tense moments, but this movie is much more focused on exploring character, faith, and doubt. There are no pea soup moments. Instead, the violence a community inflicts upon others in the name of tradition is the real horror here. If you’re willing to give this film your time and patience, I promise it will engage and challenge you. This is one heck of a debut feature, smart, layered, and even funny.

8 Out of 10