Circumstances & A Marriage of a Thousand Lies

To begin, Circumstances was an excellent film. It describes a gay relationship between two young girls in Iran; a country that is so steeped in the laws of its theocratic government that Morality Police are actually used as a preventative measure. Atafeh and Shireen become involved with each other. The origins of their relationship are portrayed so purely and realistically. Atafeh is more aggressive while expressing her desire to be with Shireen, but both girls are young and exploring things together. Atafeh begins to show interest in Shireen and takes her to parties and clubs where they do not wear their hijabs. Although shot in Lebanon, the reality of Iranian life and government are portrayed realistically. Morality police serve as minor antagonists throughout the film.
Mehran, Atafeh's brother, appears to come back from rehab. His father tests his urine during one scene and Mehran references drugs in another. To compensate for his troubling past, he immerses himself in his local mosque. Throughout, the film heavily implies that Mehran used to frequent clubs, clubs that Atafeh takes Shireen to. It is clear that he has come back from rehab a different person, with different values. Atafeh is made uncomfortable by this knowledge but continues to see Shireen.

Parallels of women and men's lives are made throughout the film. Mehran, a past drug addict, was not punished for his actions but sent to rehab. Later, Atafeh and Shireen are taken in by the morality police because they were driving a car without a male escort. Atafeh is raped during the encounter. While playing volleyball at the beach, 3 men in speedos can be seen enjoying the water while one woman sits, in full garb. Atafeh's dad says of this "one day we can all go in together," alluding to his liberal ideals. Later, Atafeh's father also argues with her, upon a mountain, about moral ideals and what it means to follow the rules. Atafeh yells at him, "You all created this world for us, now we a forced to live with the consequences."

Symbolism

Three symbols of note are sugar, water, and a bed. 

The imam (priest) that Mehran befriends slides him what looks like tea and some sugar during their first discussion of beliefs. Mehran stares at the sugar, as if it is an unusual offering, and does nothing to the tea. The imam looks slightly bothered but the scene ends. This can be interpreted as an acceptance of the imam's beliefs and methods, but a rejection of the imam's leadership. Mehran still desires to be his own man and pursue his religious radicalism individually. Later, in negotiations with Atafeh's father about her crimes, (driving with Shireen), the imam slides tea and sugars to her father as well. This time, the father accepts the sugar and they continue to negotiate Atafeh's release. This is a power move by the imam, and he has won the nonverbal battle. Atafeh's father has no choice but to offer the imam old photos and money; he has lost.

Water is used as a means to communicate the freedom of dress that men have over women. Atafeh's father quickly jumps in the ocean with Mehran, stripping without any hesitation. Atafeh and her mother sit and watch them on the blanket. Atafeh is constantly holding back expressing her feelings for Shireen while Shireen visits her. One day they both go to the beach again, but alone. They watch the waves for a bit, Atafeh chases them in and out, in and out, until finally she disrobes and jumps in. Shireen follows. The ebb and flow of the waves is the constant struggle that Atafeh has with her identity. This scene is particularly poignant in that it is directly after a scene in which they have sex. By jumping into the water, they have released their identities. Not to the world or their families, but to themselves.

Lastly, the imagery of a bed is used twice. Early in the film, Shireen is laying on the bed and Atafeh joins her. An aerial shot shows their hair intertwining as they begin to daydream about escaping to Dubai, where they believe they can live and express themselves freely. They are wearing fancy dresses and party in a penthouse in this fantasy. It is a lovely moment. Yet again this imagery is repeated at the end of the film. Atafeh joins Shireen again on the bed, this time after a fight where Shireen refuses Atafeh's advances after getting married to Mehran. They cry as Atafeh says that they can still leave Iran. Shireen has accepted her fate as Atafeh leaves her on the bed, an aerial shot still sitting on Shireen as Atafeh gets up. A painful image.