Sarayak (Asteroid)

Mehdi Hoseinivand Aalipour’s Asteroid is delightful and heartwarming little gem that places viewers in the shoes of 12-year-old Ebrahim (Ebrahim Zarozehi), who, despite his young age, has become the main breadwinner for his large family. A slice-of-life drama set against the backdrop of a picturesque dusty village, Aalipour invites viewers into the everyday life of the youngster as he strives to do the best for his family while having some fun along the way too.

Young Zarozehi is an absolute joy onscreen, already possessesing an immovable charm and pitch-perfect comic timing. It’s easy to see why he’s adored by everyone in his community, and it won’t be long before viewers will give his antics a wry smile. The success of this film is derived from the director’s ability to create a world that feels authentic and heartfelt. There’s no specific reason why viewers meet the protagonist at this particular point; it’s as if a person was chosen at random for an audience to see life through their eyes. Ebrahim’s existence is a balance of taking pride in looking after his family and enjoying the simple pleasures. To him, flying a homemade kite with his siblings is just as important as earning wages or his dreams for the future.

There are no fancy gimmicks, over-the-top plot or even much in the way of cinematic artifice here. All Aalipour needs to create this little pocket of life is a gorgeous setting and a strong familial bond to tie everything together. What is presented is beautiful, honest and near impossible not to adore; however, Asteroid suffers from an aimless script. A lot happens within the short time viewers become acquainted with Ebrahim. He takes a handful of odd jobs, meets plenty of colourful characters and his family hosts a pilot who lands nearby one day. Each moment is endearingly crafted and full of joy in its purest form, but they fail to give the young man’s story a sense of direction. Consequently, the flick begins to run out of steam towards the end, leaving the otherwise delightful drama on an a hollow note.

Andrew Murray

Sarayak (Asteroid) does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Glasgow Film Festival 2022 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Glasgow Film Festival website here.