Maryam

Though Maryam was made back in 1999, the fear and uncertainty arising out of a post-9/11 environment make this modest film--set against the climate of hostility many Iranian-Americans faced during the 1979 hostage crisis--very timely today. The title character (Mariam Parris) is the daughter of Darius (Shaun Toub), a physician who emigrated to America years before. Her desire to assimilate sometimes clashes with his old-world traditionalism, but it's the arrival of her cousin Ali (David Ackert), a devout Muslim and anti-Shah activist, that brings matters to a head, especially since Ali holds Darius responsible for his father's death at the hands of security forces. Maryam sometimes has the feel of an after school special, but for much of its length it treats the domestic and political difficulties with comparative restraint. Toward the close, however, the melodrama escalates and the picture grows increasingly shrill before wrapping up with a happy ending that comes across as forced and implausible. Technical raggedness, acting of variable quality, and occasionally uncertain direction are further weaknesses. Still, there's a sincerity and earnestness to Maryam that encourages one to forgive these flaws. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Ramin Serry and producer Shauna Lyon, a four-minute behind-the-scenes featurette, five filmographies, a trailer and weblinks. Bottom line: a small but solid extras package for a small but solid film.] (F. Swietek)