Melbourne is a near-unbearably tense film set almost exclusively in a single apartment, that as an audience member you want to leave as much as the characters. Not because Melbourne is a bad film (it really isn't) but because it is one of the claustrophobic dramas I can remember.
In Tehran, Amir and Sara are packing up their life to move to Melbourne. But a favour for a neighbour leads to a horrible tragedy, one which they can't fully face dealing with and the consequences of which gradually trap them more and more deeply. The oppression and tension generated by using a single setting is a reflection of the skill of director Nima Javidi in telling this story, which effectively plays out in real time so there is no relief.
The heart in mouth feeling of much of the film is exacerbated by the early scenes, full of laughter and hope for the future, where the only tensions that need to be dealt with are minor family ones with relatives disappointed that the couple are moving away.
The two central performances (and supporting cast flitting in and out) are brilliant. Amir and Sara are not the most sympathetic characters and are believably cowardly and selfish in the situation, while still remaining sympathetic. These are not bad people, just wholly unprepared for the situation, particularly on this day of all days.
Melbourne is a fantastic example of how you can create a brilliant and gripping human drama out of a small number of ingredients - a smart idea, a familiar location and good characterisation. It is not one I feel ready to go through again any time soon but that just shows how deep a mark the film leaves.
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