A Good Day Will Come is inspired by the true story of Navid Afkari, an Iranian wrestler who was tortured into making a false confession and ultimately sentenced to death. Rather than directly telling the story of Navid, Iranian-Canadian writer and director Amir Zargara aims to reflect broader societal issues faced by Iranians in his home country. Moved to action by the news of oppression and human right violations, Zargara describes the film as “his way of serving his country from afar.”
Set amidst the 2018 anti-government mass protests in Iran where citizens took to the streets to take a stand against economic hardships and political repression, A Good Day Will Come follows Arash – a successful but modest professional wrestler. As Arash focuses on his family and his wrestling career, the unrest feels somewhat distant. It only really enters his world on the screen of his phone when distressing footage from the protests emerge on the news. Arash’s coach (Mehdi Bajestani) encourages him to focus on his career. But when the protests claim a casualty closer to home, Arash no longer feels he can stand idly by, despite his mother’s warnings.
Being someone in the public eye, Arash immediately places a target on himself by choosing to speak out against injustice. Despite knowing the dangers, he takes to the streets with others to join in the protests. Other members of the crowd are gunning to move towards violence, preparing Molotov cocktails to throw at the police barricade. Knowing this will only lead to more violence and suffering, Arash begs them not to. Instead he bravely leads the protest peacefully towards the police barricade. He reasons with them while at gun point, showing true resilience. The police let him pass with the rest of the protest. But they will settle the score one way or another.
The next day Arash is falsely arrested for murder. The state flexes its omnipotent power, torturing Arash into a false confession. His death is used as a deterrent to warn people away from similar acts of dissent. A life brimming with potential snatched from existence, extinguished by a gross violation of human rights.
The film ends as we see Arash’s younger brother signing up to the wrestling academy – a touching gesture to the memory of his brother. There is, however, a monstrous shadow looming over the young boy. The cyclicality has a foreboding quality.
A Good Day Will Come is truly an outstanding film. There is impressive detail and nuance at both a physical and emotional level. The cinematography by Jelan Maxwell achingly captures scenes with a painful tenderness. As Arash, Sia Alipour strikes a perfect chord. He encompasses enduring determination alongside humility and stoicism.
Director Amir Zargara reminds us of the ultimate price some have paid to try and make the world a better place. We are reminded not to take our rights for granted.