The Salesman
The Salesman Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: The Salesman
| Movie | The Salesman |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Director | Asghar Farhadi |
| Genre | Drama / Thriller |
| Runtime | 125 minutes (2h 5m) |
| Language | FA |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Salesman (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Salesman are led by Shahab Hosseini . The supporting cast, including Taraneh Alidoosti and Babak Karimi , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Salesman stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Salesman has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Salesman
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, The Salesman is a Drama, Thriller film directed by Asghar Farhadi, written by Asghar Farhadi. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Shahab Hosseini as Emad Etesami.
What Is the Story of The Salesman?
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Forced out of their apartment due to dangerous works on a neighboring building, Emad and Rana move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant will dramatically change the young couple’s life. The screenplay takes time to develop Shahab Hosseini's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
How Is The Salesman Structured?
- Opening Hook: We meet Shahab Hosseini as Emad Etesami in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Asghar Farhadi builds this foundation carefully, and across its 2h 5m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Shahab Hosseini's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings Shahab Hosseini's arc to its natural conclusion. Asghar Farhadi's direction provides adequate resolution, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: The Salesman
The Salesman Ending Explained: Forced out of their apartment due to dangerous works on a neighboring building, Emad and Rana move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. Directed by Asghar Farhadi, this 2016 drama film stars Shahab Hosseini (Emad Etesami), alongside Taraneh Alidoosti as Rana Etesami, Babak Karimi as Babak, Mina Sadati as Sanam. Rated 7.3/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Salesman?
Forced out of their apartment due to dangerous works on a neighboring building, Emad and Rana move into a new flat in the center of Tehran. An incident linked to the previous tenant will dramatically change the young couple’s life.
Asghar Farhadi's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Shahab Hosseini (Emad Etesami)'s journey. An incident linked to the previous tenant will dramatically change the young couple’s life.
How Does Shahab Hosseini (Emad Etesami)'s Story End?
- Shahab Hosseini: Shahab Hosseini's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Asghar Farhadi delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 5m runtime.
- Taraneh Alidoosti (Rana Etesami): Taraneh Alidoosti's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Babak Karimi (Babak): Babak Karimi's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Salesman Mean?
The ending of The Salesman ties together the narrative threads involving Shahab Hosseini. Asghar Farhadi chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes. Based on 932 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is adequate but divisive.
The Salesman Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Salesman Based on a True Story?
No, The Salesman is a work of fiction. While the drama, thriller film directed by Asghar Farhadi and starring Shahab Hosseini may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Salesman?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Shahab Hosseini or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: The Salesman
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $7.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Where to Watch The Salesman Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsThe Salesman Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about The Salesman age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Salesman (2016) is 125 minutes (2h 5m). Directed by Asghar Farhadi, the film runs for 125 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Salesman is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Salesman worth watching?
The Salesman is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Salesman parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Salesman identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Salesman (2016)?
The runtime of The Salesman (2016) is 125 minutes (approximately 2h 5m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
