FINDING FARIDEH

From the onset, we know this is going to be a personal story. As we watch Farideh get ready at home in the morning, it's just the audience and a hand-held camera. That personal and intimate touch doesn't go away. There are no interviews or voiceover narrations, and that creative choice is most rewarding when it comes to the over-arching narrative - that is, which of the three families Farideh belongs to. The results of the test are revealed at the end, and to the film's credit, what could easily have played out like a Jerry Springer DNA test - belittling the emotional impact and vying for cheap suspense - instead packs a punch and gives weight to their family's purgatory.

Farideh is welcomed into the family homes, and as we watch them prepare food and pray, we learn more about their stories. To delve into the details would spoil the impact, but it becomes clear that this journey is more than just about Farideh finding her family; it's about these families finding their lost daughter, sister, or cousin. They all have their own names for her, because that's what they remember her as, or at least what they believe they remember her as. The sadness and angst attached to these family visits makes for tough viewing, with tears repeatedly pouring down the faces of everyone involved.

As with so many adoption stories we've seen before on screen, all everyone is after here is closure. Whether or not anyone finds it - well, you'll have to watch and find out, but this moving and revealing story is worth it. Even with an 88-minute runtime, it can sometimes feel like we linger too long on certain parts, especially in the early scenes back in Amsterdam. But once Farideh makes it to Iran and her journey begins to unfold, this poignant and emotional documentary finds its feet, revealing great insights into family life and what it means to find yourself.