Not Without My Daughter is a 1991 American drama film, based on a book of the same name. The film depicts the escape of American citizen Betty Mahmoody and her daughter from her abusive husband in Iran.
In 1984, an Iranian physician, Sayyed "Moody" Mahmoody (Alfred Molina) lives in the United States with his American wife Betty (Sally Field) and their daughter Mahtob. The Mahmoodys go to Moody's native Iran for what Moody claims will be a two-week visit so that his family can meet Betty and Mahtob, and despite her deep fears about visiting the country due to the hostilites between Iran and the U.S., Betty reluctantly agrees. However, Moody eventually reveals that he never intended for them to return, and that he plans for them to remain in Iran permanently. From then on Moody becomes increasingly abusive towards Betty, while Betty looks for a way to escape with her daughter.
This film features examples of:
- 20 Minutes into the Past: A film released in 1991 about events that took place between 1984 to 1986.
- Arranged Marriage: Discussed. Hossein, one of the people who helps Betty escape Iran, warns her that her daughter could be at risk of being forced into marriage (or become a Child Soldier) as soon as she reaches nine years old.
- Determinator: Betty will stop at nothing to free herself and her daughter, no matter Moody's efforts.
- Domestic Abuse: Once it became clear that Moody intended for Betty and their daughter to stay in Iran permanently, he strikes her to make her stay. Furthermore, if Moody ever suspects that she was trying to escape or be late for something, he would beat her, even in front of public.
- Foregone Conclusion: Anyone who knows about the real-life story will know that Betty and her daughter are going to get out safely.
- Freudian Excuse: At the beginning of the film, when the Mahmoodys are still living in the United States, Moody is shown often being mocked and ridiculed by American physicians at the hospital where he works due to his background. While not overtly given as an excuse by Moody, it is implied that it's part of the reason why he became so belligerent against Americans and against his American wife in particular.
- Historical Beauty Upgrade: The real Betty Mahmoody was a rather stout woman
◊ at the time of the events, in comparison with the more shapely (even under dowdy clothing) Sally Field. An even more drastic example is Moody; the real one was bald and clean-shaven◊ for a start, in comparison with a young Alfred Molina with a head full of hair and a beard.◊ (In fact, the real Moody, who denies that the events happened as portrayed in the film and treats it as Based on a Great Big Lie, pointed out the stark difference in appearances as supposed proof of that.) - Hope Spot: Betty's mother tells her to seek help from the American Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy, the protecting power of the U.S. in Iran following the Iranian Revolution. Betty sneaks out of the house and visits the embassy, only to be told that under Iran's nationality law, she acquired Iranian citizenship upon her marriage to Moody and thus is not entitled to consular protection. Furthermore, because Iran is an Islamic republic governed by sharia law, Betty cannot leave the country or make decisions concerning her daughter without her husband's permission.
- Title Drop: Betty utters the film's title after Moody gives her the chance to return to the U.S. to see her dying father, but will not let their daughter go with her.
- "Where Are They Now?" Epilogue: The film tells us that Betty becomes a successful author and dedicates herself to helping those in need.
