
Pay Back 2010
Director Tahmine Milani's sharp 2010 film *Pay Back* dives into Tehran's underbelly with a blend of crime, dark comedy, and social drama. The story follows Ziba and three other women fresh out of prison who move into an empty doctor's home under the guise of house-sitters.
Director: Tahmine Milani
Cast










Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pay Back (2010) about?
The film follows Ziba and three fellow ex-convicts as they relocate to a suburban home and plot a risky scheme to exploit predatory men who target vulnerable women. Their plan spirals into a deeper exploration of poverty, exploitation, and the lengths people go to reclaim agency.
Who directed Pay Back?
The film was directed by Tahmine Milani, a celebrated Iranian filmmaker known for her work in social and political dramas.
Who stars in Pay Back?
Mahnaz Afshar, Ladan Mostoufi, Bahareh Afshari, and Reza Attaran headline the cast, bringing depth and intensity to this gripping tale.
Is Pay Back (2010) worth watching?
While it isn't rated on IMDb, *Pay Back* offers a gripping blend of crime, drama, and dark humor that stands out in Iranian cinema. Its raw storytelling and strong performances make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.
How long is Pay Back?
The runtime of *Pay Back (2010)* is approximately 90 minutes.
About Pay Back (2010) — A Crime-Drama Unpacking Survival and Revenge in Tehran
Director Tahmine Milani's sharp 2010 film *Pay Back* dives into Tehran's underbelly with a blend of crime, dark comedy, and social drama. The story follows Ziba and three other women fresh out of prison who move into an empty doctor's home under the guise of house-sitters. Their plan? To target men who prey on vulnerable women waiting for rides, mirroring the grim realities of survival in a society where desperation often dictates choices. As the plot unfolds, the film peels back layers of these characters' pasts, revealing the tangled web of poverty, exploitation, and resilience that shapes their world. With a 90-minute runtime packed with tension and biting wit, *Pay Back (2010)* is more than a heist-gone-wrong—it's a character-driven exploration of survival and retribution.
Mahnaz Afshar, Ladan Mostoufi, and Bahareh Afshari lead the cast, delivering performances that balance grit with humanity. Tahmine Milani crafts a narrative that's as much about the women's journey as it is about the societal forces that push them into the shadows. The film's tone shifts between suspenseful and darkly humorous, reflecting the contradictions of their circumstances. Audiences will find themselves drawn into a story where morality is murky, and every decision carries weight, making *Pay Back* a standout in Iranian cinema.