SIFF 2023

The movie follows Donya (Anaita Wali Zada), an Afghan immigrant residing in Fremont, CA. Donya writes fortunes for a fortune cookie factory in San Francisco. Although she has good relationships with her coworkers, neighbors, and employers, she finds it hard to form meaningful social connections. Struggling with severe insomnia, she seeks help from a therapist, played by Gregg Turkington. It quickly becomes evident that Donya's sleep struggles stem not from her social difficulties but from a deeper place, particularly from survivor's guilt. Donya bravely served as a translator for the American troops in Kabul, and she escaped Afghanistan via her work post and emigrated to the US. However, she grapples with survivor's guilt with many friends and family remaining in Afghanistan. She's conflicted about yearning for personal happiness when so many people she knows still live in tumult. Zada, an Afghan refugee herself, delivers an impressive performance, perfectly balancing Donya's reserved demeanor while simultaneously conveying a wide-eyed, almost hopeful gaze. The script is surprisingly funny, albeit with primarily deadpan humor. But it's a quietly moving immigrant story, with Zada winning me over with an incredibly endearing performance. I simply could not help but want for Donya to not only find happiness but to realize that she is deserving of it.

— 3 / 5 ⭐