Drowning in Holy Water Review (2020) — 73% Celluloid Score
Directed by Navid Mahmoudi · 2020 ·
Is Drowning in Holy Water worth watching?
Yes. Drowning in Holy Water (2020) earns a 73% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one. See the 4 inputs.
4-input transparent breakdown
Also known as مردن در آب مطهر 성스러운 물
Theatrical release Where to watch
Streaming availability varies by region — our catalogue lists Prime Video in the United Kingdom. Check local listings for your region.
Rent: Amazon Video
Buy: Amazon Video
Why this score?
- Celluloid's editorial rating is positive (84/100).
- General viewers mostly liked it (78%).
- Metascore is generally favorable (70/100).
- Celluloid Score 73% combines 4 rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately. Consult the source notes for verification dates where recorded.
Best for
- Short runtime — easy weeknight watch
Not ideal for
- Viewers who only watch top-tier, 90%+ rated films
Scores reflect data indexed at build time. Component sources are shown on this page; Celluloid Score is our composite, not a third-party trademark. Scoring policy
Streaming availability, artwork and title metadata courtesy of TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB.
Is Drowning in Holy Water worth watching?
Yes — Drowning in Holy Water earns a 73% Celluloid Score. That puts it in our Recommended tier. It suits short runtime — easy weeknight watch, but viewers who only watch top-tier, 90%+ rated films may want to skip it. Read our full review (3.5/5).
Celluloid verdict
This Iran–Afghanistan drama won Best Film at MGGA 2022 — the headline prize of MIFFest’s Borderless edition.
Kaiser Khan, Founder & Editor
Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one.
What is Drowning in Holy Water about?
Rona and Hamed are two young Afghans who are in love with each other. Searching for a better life, they have decided to immigrate to Europe but they have to make a big decision to make it happen, a decision that relates to their religion and beliefs.
Watch the Trailer
Critic Reviews
Drowning in Holy Water (2020) Review: Faith at a Crossroads
★★★½☆
Drowning in Holy Water is Navid Mahmoudi's compact Persian-language drama about a young Afghan couple whose hopes of reaching Europe hinge on a test of faith.
Yes, with reservations. It is a tender, thoughtful migration drama for viewers drawn to quiet moral dilemmas, though its modest scale and schematic setup limit its impact.
Reader takes
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Drowning in Holy Water: frequently asked questions
Is Drowning in Holy Water worth watching?
Yes. Drowning in Holy Water (2020) has a Celluloid Score of 73%, averaged from the available Celluloid editorial, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb ratings. That puts it in our Recommended tier. Audience sentiment is shown separately and does not change the score.
Where can I watch Drowning in Holy Water?
In the United States you can rent it from Amazon Video or buy it from Amazon Video. Elsewhere: Prime Video in the United Kingdom. Availability changes; the where-to-watch table on this page is refreshed from TMDB.
How long is Drowning in Holy Water?
Drowning in Holy Water runs 1 hour 25 minutes (85 minutes).
Who stars in Drowning in Holy Water?
Drowning in Holy Water is directed by Navid Mahmoudi and stars Ali Shadman, Neda Jebraeili, Matin Heydarnia, Sadaf Asgari, Sogol Khaligh.
What is the Metascore for Drowning in Holy Water?
Metacritic's Metascore for Drowning in Holy Water is 70 out of 100. It is one of the inputs to the Celluloid Score.
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