Appropriate Behavior (2014) Watch Online Free

Shirin is struggling to become an ideal Persian daughter, politically correct bisexual and hip young Brooklynite but fails miserably in her attempt at all identities.

Appropriate Behavior (2015), directed by Desiree Akhavan, is a sharp, comedic drama about a young Persian-American woman, Shirin, struggling to navigate life and identity after a breakup with her girlfriend, Maxine. Set in Brooklyn, the film delves into Shirin’s attempts to reclaim control over her life, her complex relationships with her family, and her attempts to reconcile her bisexuality with cultural and social expectations.

Plot Summary

Shirin is a bisexual Persian woman living in Brooklyn, who, after her relationship with Maxine ends, finds herself homeless and jobless. She moves in with eccentric roommates and begins teaching filmmaking to young children. As she attempts to rekindle her romance with Maxine, she also tries to navigate the disconnection she feels with both her Iranian heritage and her life in New York. Her family is unaware of her sexuality, and Shirin faces rejection from both her Persian family, who struggle with her identity, and from the lesbian community, who see her as an outsider. Through interactions with her friends, roommates, and dates, Shirin learns about the complexities of self-identity and belonging.

Themes and Analysis

The film explores themes of cultural displacement, self-discovery, and the nuances of bisexuality. Shirin is caught between two worlds—her Persian background and the liberal New York lifestyle. She is constantly trying to fit in, whether with her conservative parents, her progressive friends, or her romantic interests. This feeling of being an outsider, or a “tourist” in various parts of her life, resonates deeply, especially as she grapples with the expectations others place on her and the complexity of her own identity.

The deadpan humor throughout the film allows for a raw exploration of Shirin’s journey without sentimentalizing her struggles. Akhavan uses this style to emphasize the emotional distance Shirin maintains as a defense mechanism. While Shirin’s relationships and interactions may seem awkward or disconnected, they reflect the challenges of finding one’s place in a world that demands conformity.

The film is also a critique of how marginalized identities are often romanticized or misunderstood by others. Shirin’s bisexuality, for instance, is dismissed by Maxine and misunderstood by many in her life. The film comments on the difficulties of finding acceptance in both the lesbian community and mainstream culture.

Reasons to Watch

1. Authentic Depiction of Bisexuality: The film presents a nuanced portrayal of bisexuality, showing the challenges of fitting in with either the lesbian or heterosexual communities.
2. Cultural Exploration: Shirin’s experiences as a Persian-American woman add depth, showcasing the struggles of balancing dual cultural identities.
3. Sharp Humor: Akhavan’s wit and deadpan delivery make the film both hilarious and thought-provoking.
4. Strong Female Lead: Desiree Akhavan’s performance as Shirin is both compelling and relatable, with a perfect blend of humor and vulnerability.
5. Complex Relationships: The dynamics between Shirin and her family, friends, and romantic interests are rich with emotional depth and conflict.
6. Realistic Characterization: Unlike typical rom-coms, the characters in Appropriate Behavior are flawed and multi-dimensional, making them feel real.
7. Critique of Social Norms: The film humorously critiques modern relationships, identity politics, and Brooklyn’s liberal scene.
8. Cinematic Style: The film uses a minimalist, indie style that emphasizes character development and storytelling over flashy visuals.
9. LGBTQ+ Representation: Appropriate Behavior is an essential film for its honest representation of bisexuality and LGBTQ+ struggles.
10. Empowering Message: It ultimately offers a message of self-acceptance and the importance of finding one’s own identity, free from societal expectations.

Emotional Impact

Watching Appropriate Behavior will likely leave you feeling a mix of humor and melancholy. You will sympathize with Shirin’s sense of dislocation, especially if you’ve ever felt caught between different identities or cultural expectations. The film’s bittersweet tone, paired with its humor, makes it both entertaining and emotionally resonant. By the end, viewers are left contemplating the complexities of self-identity, the need for acceptance, and the difficulty of truly understanding oneself in a world that demands categorization