Filmed in Tehran during the weeks before the Iranian election crisis, “The Pool Party” combines social realism with political allegory in the story of an aged servant’s rebellion against his masters. Khani, a pious and gentle servant must clean, paint and fill a pool in time for his mistress’s daughter’s birthday. While tackling the physical challenge he also has to take on the role of family psychologist and surrogate father. He manages to pull the task off in time, but finds out that all his work is nothing more than a lark for the wealthy family that commands him. In a moment of clarity he takes action and reclaims his dignity.