Tehran (2025) Movie ft. Neeru, John, and Manushi
Tehran emerges as a standout thriller that transforms the traditional spy drama into something far more meaningful. Created by Moshe Zonder, this Apple TV+ series breaks new ground by weaving personal identity into high-stakes espionage action.
The show centers on Niv Sultan as Tamar, a young Mossad operative returning to her birthplace for a dangerous mission. Supporting performances from Shaun Toub and Glenn Close add layers of complexity to this multilingual production that spans Hebrew, Persian, and English dialogue.
Story That Hits Close to Home
Tamar’s journey back to Tehran isn’t just another spy mission. She’s tasked with sabotaging Iran’s nuclear facilities while hiding her true identity from everyone around her. The twist comes when her carefully planned operation starts falling apart piece by piece.
What grabs you immediately is how the show handles the emotional weight of Tamar’s situation. She’s not just fighting external enemies but wrestling with her own sense of belonging in a place she once called home.
Performances That Feel Real
Niv Sultan carries the entire series on her shoulders with remarkable skill. Her portrayal of Tamar moves beyond typical action hero territory into something more vulnerable and human. Every scene where she struggles with maintaining her cover feels authentic.
I was particularly impressed by how the Iranian characters are written and performed. Shaun Toub brings depth to his role without falling into the usual Middle Eastern stereotypes we see in Hollywood productions. The dialogue switches between languages naturally, never feeling forced or theatrical.
Where the Show Succeeds
The series wins because it doesn’t try to be another mindless action thriller. Instead, it focuses on the psychological toll of living a double life in hostile territory. The Tehran setting feels lived-in and real, not like a soundstage recreation.
Action sequences are well-crafted without being over the top. I appreciated how the show builds tension through character interactions rather than relying solely on chase scenes and explosions. The technical aspects of cyber warfare are handled with more realism than most similar shows attempt.
Room for Growth
Some episodes do drag in the middle sections, particularly when focusing on secondary characters who don’t get enough development time. The pacing occasionally stumbles when jumping between different storylines, though this improves as the season progresses.
A few plot conveniences stretch believability, especially when Tamar encounters exactly the right people at crucial moments. These moments are infrequent but noticeable when they occur during otherwise realistic storytelling.
Critics have responded positively to the series, with Rotten Tomatoes showing strong approval ratings in the 90+ range. Viewers seem drawn to the show’s fresh take on Middle Eastern politics without the usual Western bias that dominates similar productions.
Tehran succeeds where many spy shows fail by remembering that great espionage stories are ultimately about people, not just plot twists. The series delivers solid entertainment while offering genuine insights into cultural identity and political conflict.
Rating: 4.5/5
