The Willow Tree is the story of a blind man, Youssef, and his journey out of darkness as he regains his sight after 38 years.

As the film begins we are momentarily invited to share Youssef’s experience: it opens with a black screen and Youssef’s voice narrating his innermost thoughts. This technique is used at various times in the film’as we see the world poetically unfolding through his renewed vision.

Despite Youssef’s blindness, he appears to have an enviable life. He’s a successful academic at Tehran University and lives in a comfortable suburban home with Roya, his wife, and their daughter. He is, however, also a distant and isolated figure walking alone through the city streets and natural landscapes.

Youssef’s operation allows the film to explore the fragility of family dynamics turned upside down by such a life changing event. He angrily rejects the support of Roya, accusing her of mothering him. In another scene we see Youssef’s young daughter patiently teaching him the names of colours as they sit together at the kitchen table. A trail of self-destruction follows Youssef as he develops an obsession for a beautiful woman he barely knows.

It is the heightened emotions of the characters that drive the plot forward as Youssef discovers the darkness lies within him. Although emotions are brought to the surface, the characters remain one-dimensional with limited insight into their actions and motivations. This has the effect of making the story seem, at times, unrealistic.

The Willow Tree is slow moving, quite heavy-handed and loaded with a strong moral message. It is thought provoking but lacks real entertainment value.