Appropriate Behavior

Shirin lives in Brooklyn, is the daughter of an Iranian family and has just broken up with her girlfriend. Her family does not know she is bisexual; she has tried to say it many times and given up each time. That is exactly why the relationship with Maxine ended. Now she moves to a new flat, finds work teaching children to make films and tries to pull herself together. The narrative runs on two times: how the relationship was built and the days after the separation are given in alternation. Desiree Akhavan writes, directs and plays the lead. It is her first feature. It was shown at Sundance and drew attention in independent cinema; Akhavan went on working in television and film. Its humour is built on embarrassment; the character keeps saying the wrong thing and the narrative does not correct it. The matter it works at is being caught between two communities; Shirin is neither the daughter her family expects nor the identity her circle expects. Bisexuality being ignored from both sides is treated directly, and that was unusual at the time. The budget was small and the film was shot largely in real locations. The narrative is merciless toward its own character; Shirin is not required to be likeable. Who it is for: viewers who like independent American comedy and narratives built on identity. Who it is not for: the structure is loose, little happens, and the humour is cold.