[Quick Summary: When formerly tortured prisoners catch the guard who tortured them, the group is uncertain if it's the same man and fights within itself.]
How can this thriller be so full of suspense at only 63 pgs. in length!?
One key was how carefully the writer chose his clues. They had to be clear, but result in questions that would make the reader want to turn the page.
For example, in the scene below:
- A man's car breaks down with his pregnant wife and daughter Niloufar inside.
- They come to a random repair shop.
- Vahid is the mechanic.
- Note that the first clue is an AUDIBLE one.
- Also note that it is Vahid's reaction that makes the audience realize something is wrong.
- Thus the audience begins to realize danger is afoot without being told (show not tell).
I./E. CAR ON COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT
...Vahid hangs up and lights a cigarette.
In the meantime, the woman comes out of the bathroom.
Vahid looks at her through the gap in the door. The woman sits down, apparently overcome by stomach pains. Niloufar helps her.
We hear the workshop door open. Vahid goes to the far end of the room but the sound of the man's artificial leg on the concrete floor makes him freeze, as if this unusual noise seemed familiar. He pricks up his ears. Vahid tries to spot the man, but he can't. He discreetly steps over to the door again.
He sees the man come into the workshop, then go over to his wife and daughter. Vahid looks devastated. He quickly steps back and presses against the cupboard so as not to be seen. he takes a deep breath and tries to pull himself together. All of a sudden, the man calls out to him.
MAN: Vahid...Vahind...
Vahid doesn't reply.
MAN: Mister Vahid...
Vahid is cornered. He coughs and then answers, but without showing himself. He alters his voice to reply.
VAHID: Yes?!
MAN: Mister Omid needs the old toolbox.
Vahid heaves a sign of relief.
VAHID: It's next to the big machine!
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: The choice of an auditory clue here was brilliant because:
- It is suspenseful because it has meaning that the audience doesn't know yet (as we learn from Vahid's reactions).
- It made me wonder what the characters knew, thus I wanted to turn the page.
- It is showing, but not telling the story.
It Was Just an Accident (2025)
by Jafar Panahi
