Sometimes there are things in life that happen to us that we can’t let go. Often, it’s when fate intervenes that we are forced to revisit these often-painful memories. That’s a big focus of the latest film from Jafar Panahi, It Was Just An Accident, which opens wider this Friday.

The film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival. It was a hit among those who saw it, earning the Palm D’Or as the festival’s top film. It was acquired by Neon, and now it’s being released to audiences in the United States. It’s already been named an official entry from France to the Academy Awards, where it could well be a contender in a few categories.

The film focuses on a man named Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri), who suffered torture at the hands of a violent police officer. He was one of many to suffer abuse due to the regime in his country. One day, while he’s at work, his torturer (Ebrahim Azizi) arrives.

It happens by accident. The man, who was with his family, hit a dog while driving on the road. It caused a problem with the car, and he’s stopped in for help. But for Vahid, that simple coincidence opens an old wound he can’t let go.

Vahid follows the man home and waits. When he gets an opportunity, he snatches him up. He’s convinced this is the man that hurt him. But then doubt creeps in. He wants justice, but he has to be sure. So, he goes on a journey to get clarity.

This film comes from Panahi and is one of many guerilla productions he has done in his home country of Iran. It’s very much an exploration of the issues and suffering in that place, which feels timely and resonant.

You can feel how personal this story is in the production. There are some good performances and some profound moments. Panahi does a great job of capturing it all, often with some interesting and unique shots that give you a different kind of perspective. It’s an emotional journey that has some unexpected turns and an ending that will stick with you.

We don’t always get a chance to see foreign films in our local theaters. This one is getting a wider domestic release thanks to Neon, and it’s worth seeking out if it’s playing in your city.

It Was Just An Accident expands to more cities on Friday, October 24.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.