At work, Mohammad’s situation deteriorates when he is accused of attempting to accept a bribe. This accusation leads to his demotion and transfer to a lower-ranking position. The shame and frustration from his professional setback spill into his personal life, intensifying his arguments with Azam. The strained relationship escalates into a violent confrontation, prompting Mohammad to leave their home, taking their child with him.
When Mohammad returns later that night, he discovers Azam in a desperate state, attempting to commit suicide by overdosing on pills. Rushing her to the hospital, Mohammad is forced to confront the fragility of their lives and the consequences of his actions. The film concludes with a glimmer of hope: as the morning sun rises, Azam regains consciousness, and Mohammad, who had been keeping vigil at her bedside, leaves to check on their child, who has been sleeping in the car.
Themes and Analysis
Moral Ambiguity and Human Fragility
At its core, The Report is an exploration of moral ambiguity. Mohammad is neither wholly virtuous nor irredeemably flawed. His decisions—engaging in infidelity, gambling, and unethical behavior at work—stem from a complex interplay of personal weakness and societal pressures. Yet, Kiarostami refrains from painting him as a villain. Instead, he presents Mohammad as a deeply human character, one whose flaws reflect the struggles of many individuals in a rapidly changing society.
Azam, too, embodies vulnerability. Her suicide attempt is not merely an act of despair but also a silent protest against the emotional neglect and betrayal she has endured. Through Azam and Mohammad’s tumultuous relationship, the film examines how trust and communication are eroded under the weight of external and internal conflicts.