Seventy-year-old Mahin has been living alone in Tehran since her husband died and her daughter left for Europe. One afternoon, tea with friends leads her to break her solitary routine and revitalise her love life.
In My Favourite Cake, directors Maryam Moghadam and Behtash Sanaeeha craft a tender, intimate portrayal of love, ageing, and quiet rebellion. Set in contemporary Iran, the film follows the journey of Mahin (played by Lili Farhadpour), a widowed woman in her 70s who has spent decades coming to terms with a body that is no longer youthful, and a country that feels increasingly stifling. Her life, much like her body, has become a reflection of loss and constraint. Her children live abroad, her husband has been dead for decades, and the friends who once filled her life with laughter now gather only for an annual meeting where the most exciting event is the presentation of a blood pressure monitor as a birthday gift.
Mahin is a character who, at first glance, seems resigned to her fate. She spends her days alone in her garden, napping until noon, and scrambling to answer FaceTime calls from her children who are distant in more ways than one. Her life has become a series of monotonous routines, a stark contrast to the youthful liberalism she once embraced. Yet, beneath this calm, there is a simmering dissatisfaction with her current reality. She misses the freedom she had before the revolution, the intimacy of companionship, and the sense of joy that comes from sharing your life with someone else. The film is deeply personal, but it is also political, as Mahin's story reflects the broader experiences of many Iranian women who have found their freedoms curtailed by a restrictive regime.
The film takes a pivotal turn when Mahin meets Faramarz (Esmaeel Mehrabi), an elderly taxi driver who has also been living in solitude for years. Their meeting is accidental, but there is an undeniable spark. When Mahin overhears that Faramarz is a bachelor, she boldly invites him to her home. What follows is a quietly radical encounter, as the two spend an evening together behind closed doors, far from the prying eyes of neighbours and the morality police. The simple act of inviting a man into her home is an act of rebellion in Iran, where unmarried men and women are not permitted to be alone together. This is where the film truly begins to explore the themes of repression and the human desire for connection.
As Mahin and Faramarz share their stories, they bond over their mutual losses and longings. They talk about the loves they’ve lost and the country that no longer allows them to be as free or as joyful as they once were. Their conversations are imbued with both tenderness and a sense of urgency. Both characters are acutely aware that time is running out, and this awareness makes their budding relationship feel all the more poignant. The chemistry between Farhadpour and Mehrabi is palpable, and their performances are nothing short of mesmerising. They play off each other beautifully, with a natural, understated charm that makes their courtship feel authentic and relatable.
The film is masterfully directed, with Moghadam and Sanaeeha using a light touch to explore heavy themes. My Favourite Cake is very much a slice-of-life film, with the story unfolding slowly and organically. The dialogue is considered, and the pacing is deliberate, giving the audience time to fully immerse themselves in the world of the characters. The cinematography, by Mohammad Haddadi, is equally restrained and intimate. One of the most striking scenes in the film is a moment where Mahin and Faramarz sit together in her garden, framed by soft-focus leaves and branches that seem to embrace them as they grow closer. The visual storytelling enhances the emotional depth of the film, creating a sense of warmth and realism that complements the narrative.
While My Favourite Cake is a love story at its core, it is also a critique of the political and social structures that seek to control the lives of its characters. The oppressive presence of the morality police is never far from the thoughts of Mahin and her friends. In an earlier scene, Mahin even rescues a young woman from being arrested for showing too much hair—a stark reminder of the constant surveillance and control that women in Iran face. The film makes it clear that Mahin’s relationship with Faramarz is not just a personal triumph; it is also an act of defiance against the system that seeks to suppress her desires.
The romance between Mahin and Faramarz is depicted with a sweet, almost childlike innocence. There is an infectious giddiness to their interactions, reminiscent of teenagers sneaking around, trying to avoid being caught. This sense of playfulness is in direct contrast to the seriousness of their situation, and it makes their love story all the more endearing. Theirs is a romance that is political by its very nature, as it challenges the norms of a society that forbids such relationships.
Despite the joy that the couple experiences, there is an underlying sense that things are too good to last. The film does not shy away from acknowledging the harsh realities of life in Iran, and this is reflected in the film’s bittersweet ending. Without giving too much away, it is safe to say that the conclusion of My Favourite Cake is not the typical feel-good ending one might expect from a romantic film. However, it is this very contrast between joy and sorrow that gives the film its emotional weight. The love that Mahin and Faramarz share is fleeting, but it is also powerful, and their relationship leaves a lasting impact.
What makes My Favourite Cake truly remarkable is its portrayal of ageing and the irrepressible need for connection. The film reminds us that love knows no age limit, and that the desire for companionship and intimacy is universal. Mahin’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she realises that she still has the capacity for love and joy, despite the years that have passed. Her relationship with Faramarz is a reminder that it is never too late to take risks and embrace life, even in the face of adversity.
The film also explores themes of body positivity and self-acceptance, as Mahin comes to terms with her ageing body and the limitations that come with it. Her relationship with Faramarz is built on mutual respect and understanding, and the film celebrates the beauty of their connection without resorting to clichés or sentimentality.
My Favourite Cake is a deeply endearing film that is as much a celebration of love and intimacy as it is a critique of repression. The film’s quiet rebellion, heartfelt performances, and nuanced exploration of the complexities of ageing make it a standout work. With its bittersweet ending and its thoughtful reflection on the passage of time, My Favourite Cake is a tender, touching film that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. It is a reminder that, no matter how old we are, or how constrained our circumstances may be, we all have the right to happiness and connection.
My Favourite Cake is in NZ cinemas from October 17th, 2024