Setareh Maleki

Setareh Maleki’s name keeps popping up for a reason—her film choices are gutsy, not your run-of-the-mill popcorn flicks. Take The Seed of the Sacred Fig (2024), for example. This one digs deep, not afraid to poke at what’s uncomfortable. You’ve got layers of family drama, political tension, and some moments that just make you sit back and go, “Dang, that hit harder than expected.” Maleki’s performance isn’t showy but there’s this quiet force behind every glance, every line. She brings a kind of realness that’s missing from a lot of newer films. Flip back a bit—Happiness (2021). Don’t let the title fool you. Not everything is sunshine and rainbows here. The story weaves through everyday struggles, the messiness of figuring out what makes life worth it. Maleki nails the role of someone who’s trying to find joy in the middle of chaos. There’s a raw edge to her acting that feels honest, even when the script goes into dark places. And then you’ve got Darband (2013), which kind of set the tone for her career—no frills, just pure emotion. It’s a gritty look at survival, friendship, and the weird ways people help each other out when the chips are down. Maleki doesn’t overdo it; she lets the silences and small gestures do the heavy lifting. Altogether, her filmography’s got this thread of authenticity running right through it, making each project feel personal, not just another gig.