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Tahan totoqi M, seysdzade S M, danesh nari H, javan jaafari A. (2026). Engaging in crime under social strain: An analysis of the Movie "Talakhoon". refahj. 25(99), : 10 doi:10.32598/refahj.25.99.4646.1
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4436-en.html
URL: http://refahj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-4436-en.html
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Extended Abstract
Introduction
Robert Agnew, the founder of General Strain Theory, argues that strain is not merely the result of individuals’ inability to achieve socially valued goals, but also stems from their inability to escape high-pressure situations. Such situations generate feelings of deprivation, hopelessness, inequality, and anger, which may ultimately lead to the commission of crime (Agnew, 2017).
Talakhoon (2019), directed by Ebrahim Sheibani, recounts the true story of Mahin Ghadiri, Iran’s most notorious female serial killer, who murdered five women and one man between 2006 and 2009. Rather than offering immediate moral judgment, the film focuses on the conditions of helplessness, deprivation, and persistent pressures that shape the murderer’s life and experiences.
Method
This research is conducted within the general theoretical framework of popular criminology and employs cinematic semiotics as its methodological approach. Cinematic semiotics is concerned with the interpretation and construction of meaning in films through the application of general semiotic principles, including referential meanings and implicit or connotative signification.
Findings
Agnew criticized traditional strain theories for their assumption that crime results solely from a lack of opportunities and individuals’ inability to achieve success and desired goals. In contrast, General Strain Theory introduces a second critical factor: the individual’s inability to escape from persistent tensions, deprivations, and stressful life situations, which, alongside blocked opportunities, can propel individuals toward criminal behavior (Agnew, 2017).
Talakhoon effectively demonstrates how popular culture interprets and narrates Mahin Ghadiri’s serial murders through the lens of General Strain Theory. The film illustrates how deprivation, inequality, and sustained pressure at the individual level gradually lead the protagonist toward the most serious forms of criminal behavior. In portraying a serial killer, the film deliberately shifts attention to the neglected backstage of the story, where the essence of the narrative lies. Through comprehensive description, the film reminds the audience that understanding a criminal’s personality—particularly in the case of a female serial killer—requires an exploration of the deeper layers of her life.
Discussion:
According to General Strain Theory, the failure to achieve positive goals and the experience of negative and stressful conditions do not inevitably result in crime. Criminal behavior becomes more likely when four conditions are met: (1) the intensity of goal blockage and negative situations is severe; (2) these conditions are perceived as unjust; (3) sufficient motivation and pressure to commit crime are generated; and (4) social control is weak (ibid).
1. Intensity of strain and negative situations
1.1. Strain within the family
In the opening scene, the audience is introduced to the private life of the film’s main character and is invited to observe it from close proximity. Entering Nahid’s home reveals a family belonging to the lower social class. The second sequence, set in the girls’ bedroom, employs a high-angle camera shot that visually emphasizes their helplessness, confusion, and innocence.
1.1.1. Economic problems as the most severe source of strain
While General Strain Theory acknowledges that the intensity of strain varies among individuals, Agnew identifies economic and familial problems as among the most severe forms of negative pressure. In Talakhoon, these problems profoundly shape Nahid’s life and experiences.
1.1.2. Table and class
The next sequence centers on a modest dining table where the mother and her two daughters are seated. Mahmoud’s entrance into the house disrupts the apparent calm and introduces tension into the domestic space. The sequence concludes with an image of the table left unused, a shot rich in symbolic implication. In cinematic language, the table often functions as a meaningful signifier of social relations and class dynamics.
1.2. Strain within society
As the narrative progresses, Nahid leaves the domestic space and enters the broader social sphere. Although the form of strain changes, its presence remains pervasive and severe. Before depicting any criminal actions, the film emphasizes Nahid’s desperate attempts to secure financial resources and regain control over her life.
2. Perceived unfairness of blocked goals and high-pressure situations
Within General Strain Theory, a crucial factor influencing the decision to commit crime is the individual’s perception that deprivation, pressure, and lack of success are unjust and undeserved.
3. Motivation and revenge
As noted earlier, revenge constitutes a key concept within General Strain Theory, as it generates anger and provides the motivation necessary for criminal action. In a pivotal mid-film sequence, the audience learns that the creditor demanding repayment is Nahid’s own mother—a wealthy and emotionally distant figure.
4. Absence of social control
One of the most influential theories of social control is proposed by Travis Hirschi, who argues that weakened or broken social bonds increase the likelihood of criminal behavior. As Talakhoon vividly illustrates, Nahid’s life is largely devoid of effective social control mechanisms.
Ethical Considerations
This study was conducted in accordance with established research ethics guidelines, and all ethical principles relevant to the research process were fully observed.
Authors’ Contributions
The first author contributed to the study design, implementation, and the writing of the manuscript. The second, third, and fourth authors supervised all stages of the research.
Funding
No direct financial support was received from any institution or organization for the preparation of this article.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest and confirm that this article does not overlap with any of their previously published works.
Agnew، r. (2017). General strain theory: Current status and directions for further research. In Taking stock, pp. 101-123.
Introduction
Robert Agnew, the founder of General Strain Theory, argues that strain is not merely the result of individuals’ inability to achieve socially valued goals, but also stems from their inability to escape high-pressure situations. Such situations generate feelings of deprivation, hopelessness, inequality, and anger, which may ultimately lead to the commission of crime (Agnew, 2017).
Talakhoon (2019), directed by Ebrahim Sheibani, recounts the true story of Mahin Ghadiri, Iran’s most notorious female serial killer, who murdered five women and one man between 2006 and 2009. Rather than offering immediate moral judgment, the film focuses on the conditions of helplessness, deprivation, and persistent pressures that shape the murderer’s life and experiences.
Method
This research is conducted within the general theoretical framework of popular criminology and employs cinematic semiotics as its methodological approach. Cinematic semiotics is concerned with the interpretation and construction of meaning in films through the application of general semiotic principles, including referential meanings and implicit or connotative signification.
Findings
Agnew criticized traditional strain theories for their assumption that crime results solely from a lack of opportunities and individuals’ inability to achieve success and desired goals. In contrast, General Strain Theory introduces a second critical factor: the individual’s inability to escape from persistent tensions, deprivations, and stressful life situations, which, alongside blocked opportunities, can propel individuals toward criminal behavior (Agnew, 2017).
Talakhoon effectively demonstrates how popular culture interprets and narrates Mahin Ghadiri’s serial murders through the lens of General Strain Theory. The film illustrates how deprivation, inequality, and sustained pressure at the individual level gradually lead the protagonist toward the most serious forms of criminal behavior. In portraying a serial killer, the film deliberately shifts attention to the neglected backstage of the story, where the essence of the narrative lies. Through comprehensive description, the film reminds the audience that understanding a criminal’s personality—particularly in the case of a female serial killer—requires an exploration of the deeper layers of her life.
Discussion:
According to General Strain Theory, the failure to achieve positive goals and the experience of negative and stressful conditions do not inevitably result in crime. Criminal behavior becomes more likely when four conditions are met: (1) the intensity of goal blockage and negative situations is severe; (2) these conditions are perceived as unjust; (3) sufficient motivation and pressure to commit crime are generated; and (4) social control is weak (ibid).
1. Intensity of strain and negative situations
1.1. Strain within the family
In the opening scene, the audience is introduced to the private life of the film’s main character and is invited to observe it from close proximity. Entering Nahid’s home reveals a family belonging to the lower social class. The second sequence, set in the girls’ bedroom, employs a high-angle camera shot that visually emphasizes their helplessness, confusion, and innocence.
1.1.1. Economic problems as the most severe source of strain
While General Strain Theory acknowledges that the intensity of strain varies among individuals, Agnew identifies economic and familial problems as among the most severe forms of negative pressure. In Talakhoon, these problems profoundly shape Nahid’s life and experiences.
1.1.2. Table and class
The next sequence centers on a modest dining table where the mother and her two daughters are seated. Mahmoud’s entrance into the house disrupts the apparent calm and introduces tension into the domestic space. The sequence concludes with an image of the table left unused, a shot rich in symbolic implication. In cinematic language, the table often functions as a meaningful signifier of social relations and class dynamics.
1.2. Strain within society
As the narrative progresses, Nahid leaves the domestic space and enters the broader social sphere. Although the form of strain changes, its presence remains pervasive and severe. Before depicting any criminal actions, the film emphasizes Nahid’s desperate attempts to secure financial resources and regain control over her life.
2. Perceived unfairness of blocked goals and high-pressure situations
Within General Strain Theory, a crucial factor influencing the decision to commit crime is the individual’s perception that deprivation, pressure, and lack of success are unjust and undeserved.
3. Motivation and revenge
As noted earlier, revenge constitutes a key concept within General Strain Theory, as it generates anger and provides the motivation necessary for criminal action. In a pivotal mid-film sequence, the audience learns that the creditor demanding repayment is Nahid’s own mother—a wealthy and emotionally distant figure.
4. Absence of social control
One of the most influential theories of social control is proposed by Travis Hirschi, who argues that weakened or broken social bonds increase the likelihood of criminal behavior. As Talakhoon vividly illustrates, Nahid’s life is largely devoid of effective social control mechanisms.
Ethical Considerations
This study was conducted in accordance with established research ethics guidelines, and all ethical principles relevant to the research process were fully observed.
Authors’ Contributions
The first author contributed to the study design, implementation, and the writing of the manuscript. The second, third, and fourth authors supervised all stages of the research.
Funding
No direct financial support was received from any institution or organization for the preparation of this article.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest and confirm that this article does not overlap with any of their previously published works.
Agnew، r. (2017). General strain theory: Current status and directions for further research. In Taking stock, pp. 101-123.
Type of Study: orginal |
Received: 2025/01/28 | Accepted: 2025/09/6 | Published: 2026/01/27
Received: 2025/01/28 | Accepted: 2025/09/6 | Published: 2026/01/27
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