Drowning in Holy Water Review (2020) — 73% Celluloid Score
Directed by Navid Mahmoudi · 2020 ·
Drowning in Holy Water (2020) earns a 73% Celluloid Score — Recommended. Recommended — recommended by most critics and audiences.Critics and audiences are closely aligned on this one.
Calculated from 4 available inputs: Celluloid editorial rating, Metascore, Letterboxd and IMDb. Audience sentiment is shown separately and never changes the composite. See how we calculate scores.
4-input transparent breakdown
Theatrical release Where to watch
Streaming availability varies by region — currently on 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 verified rating inputs; audience sentiment is shown separately.
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. Recommended — recommended by most critics and audiences.
Celluloid Verdict
This Iran–Afghanistan drama won Best Film at MGGA 2022 — the headline prize of MIFFest’s Borderless edition.
Celluloid editorial verdict
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
★★★½☆
Navid Mahmoudi's Drowning in Holy Water (2020) remains a defining Drama landmark from Afghanistan, with scores that still shape how audiences discover the title.
Strongly recommended — holds up for new and returning viewers.
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