In your twenties, you are told by society to live your best, single life. Yet, there is this unspoken pressure to also prove you are able to have a committed relationship with someone. The stakes seem higher in every aspect; from political views to the desire for marriage and/or children, and not to mention looks and physical attraction; everything has to match. But what happens to dating when you turn 60 or 70?

“My Favourite Cake” masterfully captures the essence of dating in your 70s, portraying a delightful lack of seriousness that comes with it. By this stage in life, people have already had the experience of complex relationships, endured heartbreaks, and perhaps even experienced the joys and sorrows of marriage. What remains is this desire for simple pleasures: a touch, a shared laugh, picking out herbs together and dancing in the living room, and giggling over how out of breath you are. There is no longer any need to prove oneself as a worthy partner; the fear of rejection fades, leaving only the yearning for companionship.

The film’s charm lies in both its playfulness and emotional depth at the same time. The characters are a joy to spend time with, acting with such warmth, humor and tenderness, avoiding too much drama or sentimentality. We as the audience really feel their senses, anger, joy and fear. The story is told in such a genuine way that  you feel as if you are watching a documentary. 

Set against the backdrop of modern Tehran, the film gives us a glimpse into a society that is systematically hidden from our eyes. It is a privilege to be able to witness Tehran’s everyday life, from its lush greenery to bustling streets. Given the bold choice to depict such a humorous and free-spirited story in a location where the joy of life and basic human rights are actively being erased, particularly for the women of Iran, it’s a film that demands to be watched. 

“My Favourite Cake” offers a bittersweet reminder of human natural resilience, a beacon of hope and joy in the face of adversity. It tells us the tale of the universal fear of dying alone, the longing for love and human touch, and the portrait of single people in their 70s, all filmed in modern Tehran with the memory of what it used to be, sprinkled with the disconnection of modern technologies. Absolutely brilliant and a must-watch.

Written by Maja van de Griendt