MUBI, bless their cotton socks, has decided to inflict upon us a new trailer and some allegedly “new” artwork for the UK and Irish release of It Was Just An Accident. Oh, joy! 🙄 This cinematic masterpiece (said with maximum sarcasm) comes to us courtesy of the “acclaimed” Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi (of such hits as No Bears and Taxi – ever heard of them? No? Exactly!).
Apparently, it wowed audiences at the Cannes Film Festival, bagging the Palme d’Or (probably because everyone else was at the buffet). And after its UK Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival (where I’m sure the critics were just thrilled 😂), It Was Just An Accident will be gracing cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 5 December 2025. Mark your calendars, folks, for the cinematic event of the century… or not.
So, here’s the riveting plot: Vahid, a humble auto mechanic, stumbles upon a dude who *might* have been his torturer in prison. Naturally, Vahid’s first instinct is to kidnap him – because that’s totally a sane and rational response, right? 🤦♂️ But, plot twist! The only way to identify Eghbal is the oh-so-subtle squeak of his prosthetic leg. Genius! Vahid then enlists the help of a “loose circle” (sounds legit) of other ex-victims to confirm his suspicions. Because nothing screams “reliable evidence” like a bunch of people with axes to grind. And the danger, oh, it escalates! As they grapple with their past and “diverging worldviews” (cue dramatic music), the group faces the ultimate question: “Is this him, without a doubt?” And, if it is, “What would retribution *actually* mean?” Profound stuff, I know. Prepare to have your mind blown… or maybe just gently inconvenienced. 🤷♀️
Set against the “ever-present backdrop of authoritarianism” (because nothing says “fun night at the movies” like a heavy dose of political commentary), It Was Just An Accident supposedly transforms into a “climactic act of resistance.” I’m sure the popcorn will be extra buttery for that scene. 🙄 This cinematic masterpiece is brought to you by an Iranian auteur who, get this, is “no stranger to unjust detainment himself.” Talk about method acting! Powered by “thrilling momentum” (citation needed) and “peerless craft” (again, debatable), France’s Best International Feature Film entry to the 98th Academy Awards® (because who doesn’t love a good awards season?) asks us to ponder the age-old question: “What even *is* the line between right and wrong?” Deep thoughts. Real deep. 🧐
It Was Just An Accident stars Ebrahim Azizi (who?), Vahid Mobasheri (never heard of him), Mariam Afshari (ditto), Hadis Pakbaten (and again), Majid Panahi (probably related to the director) and Mohamad Ale Elyasmehr (good luck pronouncing that). So, there you have it, folks. It Was Just An Accident. A film so good, they had to give it that title… because, let’s face it, “It Was a Cinematic Trainwreck” was already taken. 🤣 Enjoy! (Or, you know, don’t. I won’t judge.)
Finn McFrame, celebrated satirical mastermind and self-proclaimed “Emperor of Irony,” started his illustrious career as a cinematographer, where his expertise in capturing every single frame of a squirrel stealing a baguette earned him accolades at obscure film festivals.
Born in the glamorous town of Boring, Oregon, Finn grew up with dreams of being a Hollywood director until he realized that satire, not cinema, was his true calling—or at least the one that let him sleep until noon.
Finn McFrame: changing the world, one satirical lens flare at a time.
