All language subtitles for Holy Spider (2022).Retail.SDH

WOMAN: I'm going out.

I'll be back when you wake up.

(KISSES)

(MOTOR REVVING)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

(DOG BARKING)

(CALL TO PRAYER)

(CAT SCREAMING)

(CREAKS)

(WATER RUNNING)

(TOILET FLUSHING)

(SNIFFLES)

(BABY CRYING)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(CALL TO PRAYER)

Fuck off! Get lost!

-(THUMPING)
-(MAN MOANING IN PLEASURE)

(WOMAN MOANING IN PLEASURE)

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

BEST SAFFRON EXPORTER
OF THE YEAR 1999

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

-(WOMAN MOANING IN PLEASURE)
-MAN: I'm going to
tear your pussy apart!

I'm going to
tear your pussy apart!

-(WOMAN MOANING IN PLEASURE)
-(MAN MOANING IN PLEASURE)

I'm going to destroy your pussy!

(SNIFFLES)

-(KNOCK ON DOOR)
-What are you doing? Come out!

Long time no see.

You need to pay me today.

I know.

I just need to do
a few more rounds.

Where's Soghra?

She's standing in the square.

I'm in a shitty mood today.

Please...

(COUGHS)

(COUGHS)

I'm going to the square now.

Keep your eyes open.

The police are coming! Get down!
Get down!

-(SIREN WAILING)
-Stay down!

Let go of me...

-Let go of me!
-No, stay down!

Here.

-Is this all?
-You stopped.

-What?
-I didn't come.

-Don't be an asshole!
-Get out.

MAN: Come and sit. Come.

PROSTITUTE: Do you have space?

(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

MAN: Come on.

Come here.

Show me the money.

(CAT MEOWING)

Cover your head with this.

The neighbors
are always watching.

It's too dark,
no one can see anything.

SAEED: Come on.
Put it over your head.

(DOOR CREAKING)

SAEED: This way, please.

What are you waiting for?
Come in.

Come on, I said.

Walk quietly.

Come on.

Look,
I don't feel like it tonight.

-I've got to go
and sort something out, okay?
-(SAEED SHUSHES)

SAEED: Come here.

-No, I have to go.
-SAEED: Oh, come on!

I'm going. I've changed my mind.

(SAEED GRUNTS)

Please, I have a kid...

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

TAXI DRIVER: Everyone's
talking about
this Spider Killer.

People are scared
to leave their homes.

Sure, crime's a problem,

but look around you.

There's no more water anywhere.

Not even a single cloud
in the sky,

not a drop of rain.

Are you here on a pilgrimage?

Yes.

RECEPTIONIST: Arezoo Rahimi...

-You're from Mashhad?
-Yes.

RECEPTIONIST: Do you live here?

Would I be here
in this hotel if I did?

-RECEPTIONIST: The room
is for yourself?
-Yes.

-RECEPTIONIST: For you alone?
-Yes, just for me.

RECEPTIONIST: Just a moment.

She's booked a room,
but she isn't married.

What should I do? She's alone.

I'm sorry.
An error seems
to have occurred in our system.

We're fully booked for tonight.

An error?
But I have a reservation!

I know, but the problem is...

You want to make life
difficult for me?

I'm a journalist. Here's my ID.

A journalist?

Just a moment, please.

She says she's a journalist.
Is it okay?

That's fine.

-So, you fixed the error?
-RECEPTIONIST: Yes,
we've fixed it.

AREZOO: So suddenly...

-Please cover your hair.
-That's none of your business.

-RECEPTIONIST:
We'll get in trouble...
-Mind your own business!

-RECEPTIONIST:
...with the morality police.
-Just show me my room.

(BABY CRYING)

SHARIFI: People are scared.
They're on edge.

The cops haven't found a clue
in six months.

Listen, the guy's no Einstein.

There must be a clue,
some piece of evidence.

-He's no ordinary killer.
-How do you know?

-He calls me himself.
-Who?

The killer.

Are you kidding me?

No.
He calls me after each murder.

Why does he call you
of all people?

He knows I'm a crime reporter,

and he wants his murders
to be made public.

What did he say the last time?

He told me where the body was.
And he was angry.

He doesn't want to be called
a murderer.

He says he's waging
a jihad against vice.

How does he sound? Anxious?

It differs from call to call.

Sometimes he sounds cheerful,
almost friendly,

so you forget
what he's calling about.

And sometimes
he's totally furious.

You've never mentioned these
calls in your articles.

SHARIFI: You shouldn't either.

Please don't mention
any of this in your reports.

Why not?

SHARIFI: These aren't
ordinary murders.

I've been told to steer clear
of religious stuff.

Who said that?

-Orders from above.
-I want to know why.

SHARIFI: Here in Mashhad,

there are
special considerations.

Why are you so scared?

I don't want you
to get into trouble.

I won't! I'm just doing my job.

He's called so many times,

but I bet
you didn't record his voice.

Or did you?

SAEED: Write down what I say.

-Are you writing?
-SHARIFI: Yes, I am...

SAEED: On the old road
to Quchan,
near the traffic circle.

Get her before
she starts to stink.

SHARIFI: Where are you?

SAEED: None of your business,
son of a bitch!

I'm gonna rid the streets
of whores!
I won't stop!

MAN: I think it's ready, boss.

Saeed?

The cement is ready.

Ready?

(MOTOR REVVING)

VICTIM NUMBER 9!
WHO IS THE SPIDER KILLER?

FATIMA: Is your stomach
upset again?

-Yeah.
-FATIMA: You're too stressed.

Saeed...

Where's Ali?

FATIMA: At the mosque.
He's reciting
the call to prayer.

Saeed, my father called.

He wants us to come
to dinner on Friday.

I told him you might be busy.

My parents are getting upset.
They're complaining.

They say you don't go
to see them anymore.

-Okay.
I'll visit them more often.
-FATIMA: So we're going?

Good.

Daddy, you promised
to play with me tonight!

FATIMA: Khadijeh,
take this, my dear.

I'm tired, sweetheart.

KHADIJEH: But you promised.

-SAEED: Another time, okay?
-Why don't you play with her?

Come here, sweetheart.

(INDISTINCT)

My darling daughter...

MAN ON TV: What a nice girl.

MAN ON TV: The pilgrims spend
four days in Mashhad,

visiting the Holy Shrine
of Imam Reza.

Oh, Holy Imam Reza,

peace be with you...

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

AREZOO: Why do you think
the murders have accelerated
in the past two months?

ROSTAMI:
It might be a coincidence.

Some of these murders
could be unrelated.

But they all bear
the Spider Killer's mark.

So you know more than us, huh?

Do you still believe
this is a case
of an individual acting alone

or could there be
a group involved?

We believe it's an intelligent,
well-prepared, lone killer.

ROSTAMI: But we can't
rule out other possibilities.

-Such as?
-ROSTAMI:
Listen, Ms. Rahimi,

it doesn't matter
how smart killers are.

They all make mistakes.

That's the golden rule
of criminology.

And when they do, we catch them.

What if he doesn't make
a mistake?

He will, sooner or later.

AREZOO: I'm not criticizing you,

but the bodies are piling up and
you don't have a single clue.

How could that be?

Know your place, Miss!

We're the police
and I'm the officer in charge.

You've covered us
unfavorably from the start.

Portrayed us as failures.
Do you think our job is easy?

Do you want to swap places?
You can even have my badge!

We're under pressure
from Tehran.

-I know.
-ROSTAMI: Everybody
has an opinion:

MPs, the governor,
the police chief.

Do you think our job is easy?

Here you go.

Marlboro Red!

-So you smoke.
-Now and then.

That's what
all the real smokers say.

Would you mind if I had
a look at the case files?

Wow.

The minute I loosen up,
you want to take advantage.

I promise I won't publish
any details without
your approval.

Let's meet and talk about it!

"Confusion and delays,

as well as
the lack of a strategy

on the authorities' part,
are highly questionable."

-MAN ON PHONE: Got it.
-"Meanwhile,

the murders show
no sign of slowing down."

MAN ON PHONE: Got it.

That's very dry, you know?

You're right,
the conclusion is weak.

MAN ON PHONE: That's true.

-Make it a bit juicier.
-How about this:

"The shadow of the Spider Killer
is looming large..."

"The shadow of the Spider Killer

is looming large
over Mashhad..."

"... is looming large
over Mashhad."
-MAN ON PHONE: Not bad.

MAN ON PHONE: That sounds great.

-Yes, it's stronger.
-MAN ON PHONE: It's great.

Come on, Dad, faster!

Faster, Dad!

Hold on tight.

This is fun!

Be careful you don't fall off.

Your mom would skin
me alive if she knew.

ALI: I almost fell off!

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

SAEED: Khin-e Arab Road,
between kilometers 10 and 15.

SHARIFI: Right.

SAEED: Stop writing
all this bullshit in your paper!

-SHARIFI: What bullshit?
-SAEED: I'm cleaning the streets
for Imam Reza.

SHARIFI: That's enough!

-SAEED: No, it's not enough!
-SHARIFI: What's your name?

-SHARIFI: How long are
you gonna do this?
-As long as it takes!

I won't allow the martyrs' blood
to go to waste!

-SHARIFI: People like you...
-SAEED: Shut up!

Did they find anything in common
between these murders?

Apparently he has
his own trademark.

He ties a double knot
in the victim's headscarf

and strangles them with it.

-All ten women?
-That's what the coroner said.

You're lucky the coroner
talks to you.

He doesn't answer my calls.

He's a friend of mine.

Why don't "your friends"

run some DNA tests
or fingerprints?

The lab in Tehran
tried running some DNA tests,

but they're new to this.

Besides,
they still need a suspect.

They can't get far without one.

The guy kills ten women
by the same method,

dumps their bodies
in the same area

and still hasn't been caught.

Isn't that strange?

He's an insider.
Someone's covering up for him.

I can't see how
my personal opinion
would help you.

Well, some people
think it's murder,

others think
it's something else.

-If it's not murder, what is it?
-AREZOO: Some say

this person is
carrying out a fatwa.

Your Honor, this is,
of course, not our opinion.

Just so there are
no misunderstandings.

JUDGE: I know why you're here.

I know why you put
on that chador,

Ms. Rahimi.

You don't need to pretend.

I know you
don't like us clerics.

You believe we conspire
behind closed doors.

You think the system is rigged,
but it isn't.

In God's eyes,
each and every life is sacred.

So you don't think
these women deserved to die?

JUDGE: Why should I?

Prostitution
is a social problem.

You don't sell
your body on the street

if you're not poor
and desperate.

The government is supposed
to take care of its citizens.

And even if there were a fatwa,
which isn't the case,

it would be a religious
recommendation,
not a command.

Thank you for
that clarification, Your Honor.

JUDGE: You're welcome.

Is there a chance
we could get access
to the case files?

The police are on board
with us reporting about it.

Why are you so interested
in this case,
Ms. Rahimi?

Because it's my job, Your Honor.

JUDGE: Your job is to inform,
not to spread fear in society,

and not to whip
the public into a frenzy.

We aren't spreading
fear in society.
People are already afraid.

Ms. Rahimi, I won't allow you

to turn this case
into a scandal.

Like you did
with your own private life.

Be careful what you do.

Especially in
the holy city of Mashhad.

SHARIFI: Thank you, Your Honor.

JUDGE: May Allah be
with you both.

AREZOO: I need to talk
to the girls myself.

One of them must have seen him.

Yeah, but it's difficult
to talk to them.

You can't trust these girls.

They do drugs, they're unstable,
they lie most of the time.

If the cops were smarter,

they would pay one of the girls
to be bait for this guy.

I'd love to see the cops
and prostitutes cooperating!

By the way,
what is this Tehran story about?

There were rumors about you
and the editor-in-chief.

That there was something
going on between you two.

Something going on?

For every article
I wanted to run,

he would make me stay at work
outside office hours.

He wanted me to go to his home,
into his bedroom.

I reported him and was fired.

Do you call that
"something going on"?

I'm the victim here,
but people are talking
behind my back?

I didn't mean to offend you.

Then you shouldn't have said it,
Sharifi.

But you know me.

It's too crowded here.
I'm going back to the hotel.

-I'll walk you there.
-AREZOO: No need.

SHARIFI: I didn't mean any harm.
I just heard some dumb rumors.

-SAEED: God is great.
-KHADIJEH: Aren't we
supposed to play now?

-(KHADIJEH GIGGLES)
-SAEED: God is great.

We can't play
in the middle of my prayers!

KHADIJEH: Yes, we can.

You little scamp!
You wanna interrupt my prayers?

-Don't move now,
or I'll tickle you!
-(KHADIJEH GIGGLES)

Watch out. I'm gonna tickle you!

MAN 1: This killer is causing
some panic!

What's the head count now?

MAN 2: Ten, they say.

The police are hunting him.
I hope they catch him soon.

I've forbidden my daughters
to go out after dark.

They say he only goes
after corrupt women.

MAN 2: Who knows? Nobody's safe!

I heard it's a gang.
They're professional apparently.

(KEYS JANGLING)

See, Ali, your dad didn't care,

the way he ran around
the rain of bullets.

He didn't care at all!

He acted as if nothing
was going on.

You don't just run around
in the middle of a war.
I'm not stupid.

You're confusing me
with someone else.

-HAJI: Sorry for the bother,
ma'am.
-FATIMA: You're welcome.

-HAJI: I hope you're well.
-FATIMA: Yes, thanks to Allah.

Khadijeh, bring us the sugar.

Saeed, you don't show up at the
Veterans' Association anymore.

I'll bring him myself next time,
Haji.

KHADIJEH: There you go.

I know you better than
my own kids.

Something's not right with you.

You've lost weight,
you're antsy.

Say, is there a woman involved?

Stop the car! Stop, I said!

Stop, I wanna get out!

Calm down, we're just talking.

What kind of talk is this, Haji?

I told Fatima
that it wouldn't be
like him at all.

He's not the type.

So what's bothering you?

Whatever it is,
you know you can tell me.

What's the matter with you?

Nothing, Haji.

Work. Problems.

I'm a total mess, Haji.

I want to accomplish
something with my life.

God didn't create me
to be just a simple builder.

I wish the war
had never ended, Haji.

Some guys became martyrs,
some are missing,
some were crippled,

the remains of fallen soldiers
were sent to their mothers.

But I came out of it
without a scratch.

Why? Because I wasn't worthy!

Not everyone can be a martyr.

Such things are decided by God,
not us.

We have to carry on as before
and take care of our families.

It's not their fault.

Tell you what,

drop me off at home,

borrow this car
and take your family
somewhere nice.

Okay?

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

WOMAN: Could I use the bathroom?

No, it's for customers only.

Please...

MAN: Bring him a Coca-Cola.

(VOMITING)

MAN: A yellow Fanta, please!

(VOMITING)

(KNOCK ON DOOR)

Miss! Are you okay?

AREZOO: Would you
like a sandwich?

Are you sure?

What's your name?

Soghra.

Aren't you scared
walking the streets at night?

Scared of what?

AREZOO: Of the killer
coming after you.

Have you or your friends
ever seen him?

A man who looks suspicious?

Everyone looks suspicious here.

Are you doing anything?

Are you doing drugs or anything?

Do you stand in front
of this hotel every night?

Thanks.

Soghra!

Go away!

Beat it!

I said go away!

(MOTOR REVS)

SAEED: Come on,
you're going to score!

-(KHADIJEH LAUGHS)
-Were you trying
to dribble past me?

You can't beat your father!

Throw it here.

Go forward, Ali! Go, go!

-FATIMA: We should
come here again.
-SAEED: We will.

The kids love it.

I want you all to be relaxed.

-FATIMA: I know. (LAUGHS)
-Yeah? So why are you laughing?

FATIMA: You say that now, but...

ALI: Sorry, Dad.

SAEED: Come here, boy.
Come here.

-ALI: I'm sorry...
-SAEED: Come here!

-ALI: Dad?
-Saeed?

SAEED: Come here!
What's the matter?
Come here, I said!

-ALI: Dad!
-FATIMA: Saeed!

-SAEED: I told you
to stand still!
-FATIMA: Saeed!

ALI: Dad!

What's the matter with you?

What's wrong with you?
Sit down for a moment.

Ali, look what you've done!
Saeed, what is it?

(SAEED WHIMPERS)

(SAEED BAWLS)

(SNIFFLES)

What is it, darling?

Why would you do
something like that?

What's happened?

Sorry, Dad.

Get up, people are looking.

Ali, get up.
Let's go to your sisters.

We were supposed to have fun

and then you behave
this way. Great!

It's all right, son...

-SAEED: Damn!
-FATIMA: What is it?

I forgot to deliver the tools
to Gholam.

-FATIMA: Yeah?
-He's starting
real early tomorrow.

So you wanna do it now?

It's better to get it over
and done with.

FATIMA: Can't you do it later?

No, I can't.

Apologize to your parents.
I'll pick you up tomorrow.

-FATIMA: After lunch?
-Yeah. Okay?

FATIMA: Get out, kids.

SAEED: Fatima...

-Fatima, dear... Look at me!
-FATIMA: Come on, kids!

Don't be mad at me, honey!

I said I'd pick you up!

Why so shy?

Huh?

Can I have an apple?

Sure. Make yourself at home.

Everything okay?

Are you sick?

It's so hot in here.

Yeah. Let me open the window.

(BOTH GRUNTING)

-(SOGHRA WHIMPERS)
-(GRUNTING)

-(BREATHING HEAVILY)
-(THUDS)

(EXHALES)

Forgive me, Allah.

Forgive me, Allah.

(THUDS)

SAEED: Fatima?

Fatima?
Would you put the trash out?

FATIMA: Sure.

You came back?

I forgot the pickles
I made for my mom.

She was looking forward to them.

Where are the kids?

FATIMA: They stayed
with my parents.

What's wrong?

The pipe's leaking.

I'll get Agha Ahmad
to take a look at it.

Again?
But he checked it before Nowruz.

SAEED: I don't know...

You'll ruin the carpet
rolling it up like that!

Okay. I'll fix it.
Go warm up some food for me.

-Haven't you eaten?
-SAEED: No, I'm starving.

(POTS CLANGING)

...that's how you understood it,
and you helped me

to fulfill my wishes.

I know your wishes all too well.

Haven't you noticed anything?

Noticed what?

Look.

I got my hair curled.

Look here.

I went to the hair salon
with my mom.

Was it expensive?

-It looks good.
-You wouldn't had noticed
if I hadn't told you.

Oh, dear...

Saeed?

Yes?

Marzieh saw you coming home
with a woman

on the night
of the Ashura holiday.

When I was at my parents'
with the kids,

Marzieh mistook me
for someone else.

FATIMA: How could she mistake
you for someone else
from ten meters away?

You know me, Fatima.
There's no other woman for me.

Saeed?

Are you tired of me, Saeed?

Of you?

(FATIMA MOANING IN PLEASURE)

(GRUNTING)

Saeed.

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)

(MOTOR REVVING)

-Mr. Sharifi!
-SHARIFI: Hi.

-You brought
your guest with you!
-SHARIFI: I'm sincere.

ROSTAMI: Don't complain
about restricted access anymore,
Ms. Rahimi.

Go ahead.

MAN 1: What are you staring at?

MAN 3: Don't trample
the tomatoes!

MAN 4: Let them through!

Get away from the body! Move!

This is a crime scene!
Get out of here!

MAN 4: Keep your distance,
please.

(FLIES BUZZING)

(COUGHS) (WRETCHES)

SHARIFI: Breathe.

POLICE OFFICER: Get away
from the body!

(INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER)

ROSTAMI: Move!

FARMER: Why did the bastard
dump the body on my land?

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

ROSTAMI: Move back, please!

Move aside so we can
get through, please!

ROSTAMI: Mohammadi!
Bring the lady
some tea with sugar.

SHARIFI: Take a deep breath now.

AREZOO: All right.

SHARIFI: Ms. Rahimi,
let this case go.

It's like a bottomless
black hole.

Think about
your own health and safety.

See you.

(KNOCK AT DOOR)

-AREZOO: Hello.
-Hello.

I just wanted to see
how you're doing.

Better, thanks.

ROSTAMI: I wanted
to discuss something with you.
May I come in?

Do you like your room?

AREZOO: It's not bad.

ROSTAMI: Yeah,
it'll do for a short stay.

Sit down.

Thanks, but I'd prefer to stand.

Here, have a smoke with me.

Thanks for letting me
on the crime scene.

I told Sharifi it was no place
for a woman.

I was a bit shocked.
I'd seen that girl before.

They're all the same.

Just sick junkies.

That one was pregnant as well.

She'd already gotten
a little belly.

Totally gross,

a pregnant woman
screwing around like that.

Anyways, I didn't come
to talk about work.

Sorry, but I'm tired.
If we're done...

ROSTAMI:
Don't let my uniform fool you.

I may look tough on the outside,
but I'm a sensitive guy.

I'd like to show you Mashhad.

We can have a nice dinner
in Shandiz...

Mr. Rostami,
I'm tired and would
like to rest.

Please leave.

Please leave.

And what if
I don't want to leave?

What will you do then?

Call the police?

You were fired
from the newspaper

because you're a slut,
aren't you?

You're worthless.

You're the kind of girl
who'll smoke a cigarette
with any man.

You're that type!

Yeah.

(DOOR CLOSES)

(SPITS)

-KHADIJEH: Dad, look at this!
-What is it, sweetheart?

Let me see.

This is just trash.

Why didn't you throw it
in the trash, Dad?

You're right,
I should've done that.

But it was fun
throwing it like that.

Mom, Dad threw an apple
out of the window!

That's great, Saeed.

Good parenting!

The taxi will be here soon.

-SAEED: Are you ready?
-Yes.

-KHADIJEH: I want to throw
an apple, too.
-No, honey.

Dad shouldn't have done that
and neither should you.

Okay? Right, let's go.
Come on, Grandma's waiting.

SHARIFI: It must be
somewhere around here.

Are you sure?
This part of town is rough.

I'll call you.

(DOG BARKING)

AREZOO: Hi.

Hi. How's it going?

-Do you know Mrs. Zari?
-Over there.

AREZOO: Hi.

-Are you Mrs. Zari?
-What do you want?

I wanted to talk to you.
It's about Soghra.

-Which Soghra?
-Your daughter.

I don't know any Soghra.
Get outta here! Beat it!

I don't know any Soghra!
Beat it!

Who's this Soghra?

Who's this Soghra
you wanna talk about?

Who's Soghra?

Who's this Soghra
you want to talk about?

(SOBBING)

He took Somayeh with him.

I know it was him.

Agha Rasul saw her
getting on the back
of his motorbike.

Who's Agha Rasul?

He works for the municipality.
Out there on the square.

Did he see the man's face?

MRS. ZARI: From a distance.

I don't know what happened
with my daughter Soghra.

I told her
not to get on motorbikes.

She always listened to me.

Where was Soghra last seen?

Her usual spot.
Around Tulip Square.

(COUGHS)

Did you tell the police
all this?

Honey, I smoke six grams
of Afghan opium every day.

I don't talk to the cops.

I'll come with you,
I can vouch for you.

How dumb are you?

He's cleaning up
the streets for them.

Do you think
they're going to arrest him?

I've seen him four
or five times.

He circles around
on his motorcycle

and watches the street.

Where did he pick up Somayeh?

There, on the other side.

-Did Soghra go with him, too?
-Are you asking for the police?

No, I'm a journalist.
I'm writing about it.

I've had enough trouble
with the police.

I want to spend
my last years in peace.

He also said the guy
always comes on

Thursday nights and looks like
a Basiji militia man.

That fits everything
you told me.

SHARIFI:
Don't do anything now!
Where are you?

AREZOO: Not far from
Khin-e Arab Road,
where he dumps the bodies.

He probably lives near here.

SHARIFI: No, I don't think so.
I'll call the police.

No, I don't trust the police.

SHARIFI: What do you mean?
We have to tell them.

No, I don't trust the police
for good reason.

SHARIFI: Why not?

AREZOO: I hardly even trust you.

SHARIFI: What you're planning
to do is crazy.

AREZOO: I know,
but I'm going to do it anyway.

Will you help me or not?

Or are you too big a coward?

Want a ride?

On your pony? Fuck off!

I saw you the other day.
This is fate.

Yeah? Go jerk off to that!

I have a nice place,
good food, even opium.

Show me your money.

Hold on tight.

SAEED: How long
are you gonna be?

PROSTITUTE: As long as
Miss Pussy wants.

Come out!

PROSTITUTE: Miss Pussy doesn't
like being yelled at.

Cover yourself up.

-Yes, I like that...
-Don't touch me!

-(DOOR CLOSES)
-(MUFFLED SINGING)

PROSTITUTE:
Don't you wanna start?

The clock's running...

Let's see if you can
take care of Miss Pussy.

And where's the opium?

Or was that a lie?

No...

PROSTITUTE: What?

Right here, I'm preparing it.

Just a sec...

So this is how you like it, huh?

I love your fuzzy beard!

You slut! Don't touch me.

-What?
-SAEED: Don't touch me.

-I got to go to the bathroom.
-Off you go, then!

It's your turn to sing!

Allah, give me strength!

PROSTITUTE: Come on!

Where are you?

Come over here!

(THUDS)

(MUFFLED LAUGH)

(MUFFLED LAUGH)

(LAUGHING)

SAEED: Well?

Why aren't you laughing?

Come on, laugh.

Laugh.

Laugh!

(PANTING)

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

-SHARIFI: Ms. Rahimi!
-Don't come too close.

Let's go. It's getting late.

We can't hang around there
waiting every night.

He won't come.

AREZOO: He will come.
I know he will!

Any news
about the Spider Killer?

I don't know, sir.
Look in the papers.

FATIMA: Help yourselves.

Hi, Fatima, my dear.

You're just in time for dinner.

Well, I got lucky
with my mother-in-law...

FATIMA'S MOTHER:
I made the celery stew
you like, Saeed.

FATIMA: Kids, dinner's ready.

FATIMA'S MOTHER:
Zahra, come sit with us.
The food will go cold.

ZAHRA: I'd prefer to have
Shirazi salad with every meal,
Grandfather.

What happened
to your hand, Saeed?

FATIMA'S MOTHER:
Yes, what happened, Saeed?

I hit it with
the brick hammer at work.

FATIMA'S MOTHER: Was it bad?
Did it hurt?

I was trying to break a brick.

My workers weren't
paying attention,
but it was my own fault too.

FATIMA'S FATHER: You've been
absent-minded recently.

FATIMA'S MOTHER: Eat something
before it gets cold.

Want some more?

AREZOO'S MOTHER: What can I say?

This isn't the way
to treat your parents.

You rarely call.

Dear Arezoo...

Sorry, Mom,
I have a lot on my plate.

AREZOO'S MOTHER:
Think of your dad
and his diabetes.

Me calling or not
won't affect his diabetes.

AREZOO'S MOTHER:
You can laugh now!
You'll know how it feels

when you have a kid of your own.

Did you get your eyebrows
tattooed?

AREZOO'S MOTHER:
Arezoo, are you smoking,
or what?

Hopefully not too wide
like last time.

AREZOO'S MOTHER:
Don't change the subject!

It's not good for you.
You have an allergy!

Are you still looking
for that guy
who's killing women in Mashhad?

Yes.

AREZOO'S MOTHER:
Don't you ever think of us?

About how much
we worry about you?

Don't worry, Mom.

-It's not my first time.
-AREZOO'S MOTHER:
You always say that!

MAN: Whore!

Get on.

Go away!

What are you waiting for?

Come on!

-You got money?
-Yes, I do. Get on.

Hold tight.

SHARIFI: Bastard!

Where's he gone? Asshole!

Come in.

(DOOR LOCKS)

You never know who could burst
in at a sensitive moment.

Make yourself at home.

-In here?
-SAEED: Yes,
sit wherever you like.

In the dark?

SAEED: You're right,
maybe not in the dark.

There you go.

Make yourself comfortable.

Some fruit or tea?

Would you like
some fruit or tea?

Where's the bathroom?

SAEED: To the right.

What's your name?

Zahra.

-SAEED: Are you from Mashhad?
-Yes.

-Which part?
-What's that got to do with you?

You're lying.
You're not from Mashhad.

SAEED: What's your job?

Am I asking you about your job?

I'm a builder.

Is this your first time?

You look like an amateur.

-What happened to your hand?
-SAEED: A little mishap.

-What are you doing?
-Just playing.

What are you doing? Let go!

-(INHALES)
-(SHUSHES)

(SAEED YELLS)

(AREZOO BREATHING HEAVILY)

-I'm not alone.
-Why are you scared?

-Open the door!
-Calm down...

-I said open the door!
-All right, I'm opening it.
(SHUSHES)

-Now!
-All right. (SHUSHES)

-Now!
-SAEED: Be quiet.

Okay. Calm down.

-There you go.
-Step aside!

-Help!
-You whore!

You piece of shit! You...

(BOTH GRUNTING)

-SAEED: How dare you draw
a knife on me.
-Help!

(YELPING)

(BOTH GRUNTING)

-(YELPS)
-(INHALES)

SAEED: You bitch!

Come any closer
and I'll stab you!

(SCREAMS)

-Help!
-Stop screaming!

Help!

-Get back!
-Please don't scream.

Please,
I have a wife and small kids.

Go into the bathroom
and lock the door.

Please stop screaming.

-(AREZOO) Move back a step!
-Yes, of course...

-Go into the bathroom
and lock the door!
-I'm going...

-Quickly, or I'll scream louder!
-SAEED: Please don't.

AREZOO: Lock the door! Help!

(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)

-MAN 5: What's going on?
-MAN 6: Cut out the noise!

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

(INDISTINCT SHOUTING)

(LAUGHING MANIACALLY)

(DOORBELL BUZZES)

(DOORBELL BUZZES)

FATIMA: Will you see who it is,
Saeed?

MAN ON TV: ...sullen look...

SAEED: Yeah?

I'll come down.

FATIMA: Who is it?

The cops.
They have a few questions.

FATIMA: The cops? What for?

-SAEED: Ali's probably
done something.
-Him and his damn football!

Wait, I'll come with you.

No need.
I'll be back in a second.

-Yes?
-ROSTAMI: Mr. Azimi?

-Yeah, that's me.
-ROSTAMI: Saeed Azimi?

-Yeah.
-Do you live here?

SAEED: Yes, I do.

ROSTAMI: You gotta come
to the station with us.

-Hey, I'm talking to you!
-I know why you're here.

-ROSTAMI: Then come with us.
-SAEED: I'm still in my pajamas.

You're coming with us.

The neighbors are watching...

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

-ALI: What's going on, Dad?
-Go inside, I'll be back soon.

-ALI: Where are they taking you?
-Go inside!

FATIMA: Saeed? Saeed!

Where are they taking him?

Dad!

I want to thank our brothers
in the police force,

whose tireless efforts
have resulted
in the arrest of the killer.

Good that they're giving you
so much credit.

You're gonna be famous,
a celebrity.

This isn't over yet.

I would like to thank the press
for coming in such numbers.

No way can they let him go.
The case is just too big.

They'll find a way.

...will send a clear signal
to those trying to create chaos

in the holy city of Mashhad.

You still believe
it's a conspiracy?

(MAN SINGING)

How was he?

Good.
He'll be back in a few days.

Who did he fight with?

He didn't fight with anyone.

There were some corrupt women.
Your father took care of them.

Don't worry about it, Ali.
Allah is watching over us.

So they'll let him go?

Of course
he didn't do anything wrong.

What did these women do?

Forgive me, Allah...

These women were bad,
corrupt, worthless.

They were the kind
who sold drugs
to kids on the street.

They deserved it.

Your father's hands are clean.

GROCER: Say hi to Abbas from me.
Bye.

-How much, sir?
-GROCER: It's on me.

Thank you.

GROCER: Why are you so sad,
my boy?

-How's your dad?
-ALI: Good,
but he's still in prison.

Chin up, boy.

Say hi to your mother
and tell her

whatever she needs from here,
she can come and get.

Thank you, sir.

GROCER: You're welcome.

Here's some fruit.

Your father has done
so much for us.

-Thanks.
-GROCER: Tell your mother to let
me know if she needs anything.

-Thanks.
-GROCER: Say hi to her.
Take care.

-ALI: Bye.
-God be with you.

SAEED: I felt a responsibility
to cleanse society

of vice and moral corruption.

JUDGE: And how did you
know the victims
were morally corrupt?

-It was clear, Your Honor.
-JUDGE: Why was it clear to you?

You don't need to be a genius

-to spot a prostitute
in the street.
-(PEOPLE GIGGLING)

JUDGE: Please show
some respect in court!

For the last time,
no vulgar language in court.

Vulgar are the women
who stand before the Holy Shrine

openly selling their bodies.

So you admit to committing
all 17 murders?

16, Your Honor.

JUDGE: So who killed
the 17th victim?

A coward.

(PEOPLE LAUGHING)

If he wasn't a coward,
he would've owned up to it.

-(PEOPLE LAUGHING)
-JUDGE: Silence!

Silence!

JUDGE: Where were you when
your wife was murdered?

In jail, Your Honor.

JUDGE: What were the charges?

Drug related...

(ALL GROANING)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

SOMAYEH'S FATHER:
Some people came by

and tried to persuade us
to forgive him.

They had all sorts of arguments,
offered us money.

And will you forgive him?

We won't forgive a murderer.

Why didn't you
come to the court session?

We wanted to go, but...

SOMAYEH'S MOTHER: We don't want
this to drag on, understand?

-But you're her next of kin.
-So what? So what?

Do you want us
to admit in public

that our daughter
was a prostitute?

And took opium?

SHARIFI: I'm sorry.
I know you're still
in mourning...

And to be honest,
I'm glad she's dead.

I'm glad Somayeh's dead
with the life she was living.

SOMAYEH'S FATHER: You shouldn't
be saying that kind
of thing in front of the kid.

SOMAYEH'S MOTHER: But it's true!

It's true!

(SOBBING)

She doesn't really mean it.
She's been crying day and night.

Would you rather
see him executed

or would you rather receive
compensation?

His execution
wouldn't bring her back.

Then it would be me,
with my disabled body,

who would have to keep
the little one fed.

I just don't want her
to end up like her mother.

She meant the world to me.

I raised her
with so much love...

You see? That's what I mean.

They're gonna
buy him forgiveness.

These families are so desperate,
they'll sign anything for money.

Do you still think
I'm being paranoid?

And who do you think
is gonna pay for it?

How will the court decide?

LAWYER: Look, Mrs. Azimi,

this case is
politically charged now.

The government wants a verdict
before the upcoming election.

That's why the judiciary
are moving so fast.

They can't convict him.

Saeed has a lot of supporters
in the streets.

People love him!

That's right!
He has many supporters.

That's why the mental impairment
defense is even on the table.

-It's his only chance.
-What does that mean?

That he was mentally unstable
when he committed the crimes.

My dad isn't crazy.

FATIMA: Ali, shut your mouth
or leave the room.

Haji, I can't accept this.

HAJI: No problem,
Fatima, my dear.

The guys from
the Veterans' Association
wanted to help out a little.

FATIMA: Allah bless them.

With God's help,
everything will be just fine.

How are you coping?

What can I say?

I never thought
Saeed would do such a thing.

Why did he have
to play the hero?

Don't worry.

We're collecting signatures
on his behalf.

Ali, wait up, I'll help you.

People don't want him
to be convicted.

FATIMA: But Haji...

The judge doesn't seem
to care about that.

He can't go against
public opinion with his verdict.

But his case is special.
Apparently, it's political now.

HAJI: Don't worry about that.
We're here.

His friends have his back.

I don't understand it all, Haji.

You take care of the kids...

-Ali, take care of your mother
and your sisters.
-I will.

LAWYER: Between 1981 and 1988,

he was deployed
at the front lines

for a total of 623 days.

This has, without a doubt,

resulted in
major psychological trauma.

But my client had
a well-established history

of mental illness
even before that.

The question is
whether he himself

supports this line of argument.

His medical records
leave no doubt.

JUDGE: Fine, I'll take that
into consideration.

You see? They're finding a way.

The defendant may now rise

and tell us whether he believes
himself to be mentally ill.

SAEED: In the name
of the martyrs...

Your Honor,
if that's what's
written in those papers,

then what can I say?

Yes, I'm crazy.

I'm crazy about the Eighth Imam.

-Crazy about Imam Reza.
-JUDGE: Mr. Azimi!

SAEED: Crazy about cleansing
the world of corruption.

Mr. Azimi, the court
is no place for preaching.

Do I look crazy?

Do I look crazy?

Answer the question or you'll be
removed from the courtroom!

SAEED: If doing my duty
means I'm crazy...

-JUDGE: That's enough.
Take him out!
-... then, yes, I'm crazy!

JUDGE: Get out!

I'm crazy
about cleansing the world.

What's wrong
with that kind of madness?

Do you hear me? I'm crazy!

I'm crazy about God!
Crazy about God!

PRISONER: God be with you!
I'm your devotee!

I thought we'd agreed.

Your attorney discussed
everything with you,

and then you say something
different in court.

Stop talking about it.

I'm not crazy, you know!
Am I crazy?

Is that what you believe?

I don't want my supporters
to think they're supporting
a lunatic.

FATIMA: Who are your supporters?

-People in here,
people in the street!
-FATIMA: (BANGS) Stop it!

I can't listen to this anymore.

(SOBBING)

Listen...

Please look at me.

Look at me.

-I'll be out before you know it.
-FATIMA: You keep saying that.

-Really,
I'll be out of here soon.
-(FATIMA SNIFFLES)

Now go to the kids
and send Ali over to me.

I want to talk to him.

SAEED: Why are you
sniffling like that?

Why are you picking your nose?
Who taught you to do that?

Are you laughing?

-You did.
-I did?

How's school?

-I've stopped going.
-SAEED: How come?

Why have you stopped going?

I got into a fight.

A fight? Why?

A boy said to me:
"Your dad's a murderer."

That's not a problem.

Everyone has their
own opinion about it.

Most people like you,
I know that.

I'm innocent.

I did it all for God.

My hands are clean.

How did you take care
of those women?

-It's not something for kids.
-But you told me I was an adult!

And you believed it?

Just tell me how
you took care of them.

I picked them up in the street.

And then, at our place,

I threw them to the floor.

Then I strangled them.

Didn't they fight back?

Of course they fought back.
Sure they did.

But your father
took care of them.

Thank you for agreeing to see us
during this difficult time.

Ask your questions.

How did you react
when you found out

your husband
was the Spider Killer?

I was shocked.
I couldn't believe

that Saeed was capable of doing
something like that.

I was shocked.

Did his behavior change at all
in the past year?

Not at all.
Saeed was the same as always.

There was no change at all.

He went to work,
took care of his family.

I had no reason to suspect
he was doing anything.

If those women had been decent,

they wouldn't have been
on the streets

chasing other women's husbands.

I was also one of them.

Your husband brought me here,
to your home.

FATIMA: You had no right to be
roaming about on the streets!

My husband was forced
to do his duty.

Is he the police?

Is it his duty
to "cleanse" the city?

FATIMA: He was
at the front line.

He comes from
a family of martyrs!

And when he sees these women

on the streets
of this holy city,

chewing gum, wearing short coats
and high-heels...

Do you think that's normal?

SHARIFI: Mrs. Azimi,
that isn't the point...

Could we talk to Ali about it?

Why not?
Ali loves his father. Ali.

On the basis
of Saeed Azimi's confessions

and the reconstruction
of the murders,

as well as
the witness statements

given by Ms. Arezoo Rahimi,

we demand that,
in accordance with paragraphs

286, 383, 621 and 618
of the Islamic penal code,

the court should
sentence the accused

to the maximum penalty.

The defendant now
has a final opportunity
to speak in his own defense.

JUDGE: In the name of Allah.

...so that He may confirm
the truth and bring
falsehood to naught,

though the guilty
should be averse.

SAEED: "Allah will
establish the truth

and abolish falsehood,

even to the dismay
of the wicked."

I read the verse in Farsi
as well, Your Honor,

so that
everyone can understand it.

Saeed Azimi is innocent!

Saeed Azimi is innocent!

Saeed Azimi is innocent!

Look at that crowd of people.

Yeah, but they'll soon go back
to their normal lives

and we'll be left
with our misery.

Free Saeed Azimi!

Free Saeed Azimi!

SHARIFI: Sit down,
please, Mr. Azimi.

Thank you, brother.

(DOOR CLOSES)

Well, Ms. Rahimi,

you sure fooled me
with that make-up.

This is Mr. Sharifi
from the Khorasan News.

So you're Mr. Sharifi!

I've heard your voice
many times.

-What a cozy get-together.
-Mr. Azimi, do you feel remorse?

Why should I?
I was only doing my duty.

The only thing I regret

is not being able
to finish the job.

16 dead women
aren't enough for you?

It was almost 17...

I had at least 200
of these women in my sights

in the neighborhood
around the shrine.

Towards the end,

I couldn't sleep
if I didn't kill.

I was addicted to it...

And you never felt anything
while you were killing them?

No.

Didn't you enjoy
trying to kill me?

Didn't you get a kick
out of murder?

I enjoyed the feeling
of cleansing,

but I didn't feel
any personal pleasure.

Tell that story to someone else,
I was there that night!

You were lucky that night.

Otherwise your corpse
would be stinking on
Khin-e Arab Road now.

SHARIFI: Watch what
you're saying.

Don't worry, Ms. Rahimi.
We're just talking.

SHARIFI: Tomorrow is
the final session in court.

Tomorrow you'll witness the
invisible hand of God at work.

I'm not finished yet.

You seem very sure of yourself.

SAEED: Do you hear all that
chanting outside?

The people are behind me.

I still have much to do,

not only in Mashhad,
but all over the country.

(MUFFLED CHANTING)

JUDGE: The defendant will rise.

Mashhad's Public Court 53
has passed
the following sentence:

the defendant, Saeed Azimi,
son of Mohammad,

born September 4, 1955,

has been found guilty
of 16 counts
of murder and abduction.

He has also been found guilty

of spreading fear
and endangering public safety.

He will therefore receive
12 death sentences.

He will also have
to pay compensation

to the families
of four of the victims.

He is also sentenced
to 14 years in prison

and 100 lashes of the whip
for obscenity.

Returning properties
due to theft...

(MUFFLED SPEAKING)

(MUFFLED SPEAKING)

(DOOR CREAKING)

-MR. HAGHANI: After you.
-Thank you.

-Hello.
-Hello.

How are you?

May God answer your prayers,
brother.

HAJI: How are you?

-How did they
let you two in here?
-I'm good.

I have a few good friends
here and there.

SAEED: Bravo!

Mr. Haghani is
one of those old friends.

We served together at the front,
back in the day.

-Thank you.
-I'm sorry if I was too harsh
on you in court.

But I have to play along.

This is like a show,
as you know.

He has to show restraint
in court,

-but we'll find a solution.
-Absolutely.

The judge seems to mean it.

He has to since
he's under pressure from Tehran.

The media
is watching us all closely,
but don't worry.

Let's plan the next move.

HAJI: Listen now, Saeed,
on the day of your sentencing,

you'll be taken
via the courtyard
to a waiting car.

And then off you go!

Okay?

(LAUGHING)

-MR. HAGHANI: Do you understand?
-And what should I do till then?

Nothing. You just rest and pray.

We'll take care
of everything else.

-SAEED: I'm a little
confused now.
-We totally get that.

Just stay calm, that's all.

-Thank you, my dear Haji.
-HAJI: Take care of yourself.

Thank you so much, Haji.

We'll take care of your family.
Don't worry.

-Thank you, Haji.
-You are honorable.

(WHISPERS) But not a word
to anyone about this.

(WHISPERS) Not even Fatima.
This has to remain
totally hush-hush!

-Understood?
-Sure. Of course.

(DOOR CLOSES)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

It's still not too late.

Ask God for forgiveness!

God is pleased with me.

Why should I ask Him
for forgiveness?

This isn't
the time for this, Mother.

When will it be?

When should I talk to him, then?
When his corpse is left hanging?

Don't cry, Mother.
Imam Reza has my back.

Did you think about
this young woman here?

About this little girl?
About your innocent kids?

Instead of reassuring the kids,
you're scaring them.

FATIMA'S MOTHER:
What have you done to us?

What have you done to us, Saeed!

-Don't cry, my darling.
-SAEED: Ali!

Is this how
you take care of your family?

You're the man of the house now.
Don't cry, my boy.

-Be strong.
-My beloved Ali...

(CRYING)

Only God's will shall be done.

(SOBBING)

MAN 7: Trust in God.

MAN 7: Trust in God.

(CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)

-Carry on.
-Has he been given 100 lashes?

There's been a misunderstanding
about the procedure.

(DOOR CREAKS)

(DOOR CREAKS)

(DOOR CLOSES)

-(WHIP CRACKING)
-(SAEED YELLING)

(WHIP CRACKING)

(WHIP CRACKING)

-(WHIP CRACKING)
-SAEED: Not so hard!

-(WHIP CRACKING)
-(SAEED YELLING)

-(WHIP CRACKING)
-SAEED: That hurts!

Please stop!

Carry out the sentence now.

JUDGE: Wait here.

But Your Honor, we're supposed
to witness the execution.

JUDGE: There are
enough witnesses.

But that's why we're here.

You can examine the body later.

But I discussed it with you.

JUDGE: Wait here.

We can examine
the body afterwards.

(HANDCUFFS CLICKING)

(DOOR CREAKING)

What's going on?

(HANDCUFFS CLICKING)

What's going on?

Where's the car?

What's going on?

Where's the car?

Not so tight!

Haji!

Haji, where's...? Where's...?

Where's the car, Haji?

Haji!

Haji!

Haji!

This wasn't the deal!

You disgraceful motherfuckers!

Motherfuckers!
Sons of bitches! Haji!

Haji! Oh, Imam Reza!

Imam Reza,
what are they doing to me?

Oh, Imam Reza. Oh, Imam Reza.

Oh, Imam Reza, help me...

What are they doing?
Help me, please.

Oh, Imam Reza, help me.
What are they doing to me?

(GRUNTING)

(SNORTS)

SHARIFI: Let me take it.

-I'll carry it to the bus.
-Thanks.

SHARIFI: Well...

Have a good trip,

and take care of yourself.

-Likewise.
-SHARIFI: Thanks.

And stay out of trouble.

I won't always
be there to save you.

It was a pleasure
having you here.

A real pleasure...
Um, not that kind of pleasure.

I mean it was a pleasure
working with you.

You know what I mean.

AREZOO: Bye.

I wanna say this
to everyone watching.

If the police don't deal
l with these women,

someone like my father will
cleanse the streets of them.

If people continue to behave
as if these were
perfectly normal women,

another Saeed Azimi
will rise up.

To be honest,

since his arrest,
10 or 20 people

have asked me
to continue my dad's work.

I say, "Let's wait and see."

As soon as they came in here,
he would quickly lock the door

and remove the key
from the lock.

He would then give
the woman a little money.

While she was counting
the money here,

he would sneak up
on her from behind,

put both his hands
around her throat

and start squeezing.

The woman would then
fall half-dead to the floor

and he would kneel
on her like this,

pushing his knee
into her throat.

Just a sec...
Khadijeh, come over here.

It's okay. We get what you mean.

No, wait a just a moment...

Lay down here with your head
to the side.

A bit further...

And lay straight.

So he would kneel down
on the woman

with his knee on her throat.

I'm not gonna do it for real,
I'm just demonstrating.

Then he would put his forearm
over her mouth

and then finish her off

by strangling her
with her headscarf.

And then?

That takes a lot of strength.

For the weak ones, the junkies,
it was over pretty quickly.

What did he do with the bodies?

He would wrap them up
in something.

Like this.

I'm dead.

Don't laugh,
they're filming you. Don't move.

I'm dead.

You clown!

The whole thing
took about 30 minutes.

And then about another hour
to get rid of the body.

So he was able to rid society
of a corrupt woman

in less than two hours.

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