IMDb 6.4 2023 HD

Opponent

Opponent

2023
Drama
119 min NR NO
6.467 / 10
6.4 IMDB

In the aftermath of a devastating rumor, Iman and his family have been forced to flee Iran. As refugees, they end up in a run-down hotel in northern…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Milad Alami / Misagh Alami
Starring
Payman Maadi / Marall Nasiri / Björn Elgerd / Nicole Mehrbod / Diana Farzami / Ardalan Esmaili / Magnus Mark / Arvin Kananian

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

tense emotional desperate compelling human stark nuanced challenging powerful affecting resilient uncertain

Reviews

I
Isabelle Dubois
Mar 22, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

'Opponent' offers a compelling and often harrowing glimpse into the lives of refugees, centred around a captivating performance from Payman Maadi. His portrayal of Iman is nuanced, capturing the pride and vulnerability of a man trying to hold…

D
David Sterling
Mar 22, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

While 'Opponent' tackles a significant and timely subject, its execution feels somewhat restrained. Payman Maadi gives a solid performance as Iman, conveying the weight of his responsibilities and the encroaching fear. The film’s tone is consistently grim, effectively…

S
Sophia Chen
Mar 22, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

This is a film that gets under your skin. 'Opponent' is a masterclass in understated tension, using the grim realities of refugee life to craft a powerful human drama. Payman Maadi’s portrayal of Iman is nothing short of…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Mar 22, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'Opponent' presents a stark, often uncomfortable, look at the refugee experience, focusing on the psychological toll of displacement and the fear of a past catching up. Payman Maadi anchors the film with a performance steeped in quiet desperation,…

E
Eleanor Vance
Mar 22, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A palpable tension hums beneath the surface of 'Opponent', a film that masterfully balances the external pressures of refugee life with the internal turmoil of its protagonist. Payman Maadi delivers a compelling performance as Iman, a man wrestling…

FAQs

'Opponent' powerfully illustrates how the ripple effects of rumours can have devastating consequences, forcing individuals and families to abandon their lives. The resurfacing of the initial rumour in Sweden creates a constant cloud of anxiety for Iman, demonstrating how past events and damaged reputations can profoundly impact present opportunities and future prospects, particularly in the high-stakes context of seeking asylum.