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Each of the four central actors builds a strongly textured character, balancing high-energy action with subtle soul-searching as each grapples with moral questions and real-world ramifications. Benssalah has visceral power as a natural leader who thinks on his feet but is also emotionally vulnerable. Slimane's Karim has more charismatic, magnetic presence, commanding an army of loyal followers while blinded by grief. Embarek's Moktar is a frighteningly mercurial hothead, while the abject fear in Bajon's eyes is established by an early line of dialog, propelling us through the chaos with him.

If anything, the film may be too full-on, with a musical score that perhaps didn't need to be quite so massive. But the narrative beats rise to meet it, and the sheer spectacle of each set piece makes this a film that needs to be seen on a huge screen. Even so, it's the personal drama that grabs hold, and in the end the bold script takes on the true villain of the situation with unblinking righteous rage. It's so timely and urgent that it's impossible to leave the cinema unshaken.

themes, language, violence

2.Sep.22 vff

While Fatima-Zahra's journey is strong, the narrative is seen through Selim observant eyes, revealing a reality that conflicts with what people say. Characters develop wonderful complexities as actors reveal deeper thoughts behind conversations. Tebbae is terrific as a quietly tenacious diva who works to elicit sympathy from everyone she meets. And as the uneducated but smart Selim, the young El Hajjouji has an understated charisma that people can't help but be drawn to.

The irony is lost on Fatima-Zahra that she judges her son harshly for working for Christians even as she's mistress to a married Muslim man. But these things niggle at Selim as he works out who he is and where he belongs. And because the truth is so important to him, he's often at odds with accepted morality around him. The powerfully challenging question is whether he can learn from his mistakes and find a way to live honestly in this place.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

29.Aug.22 vff

With actors switching characters, performances are outrageously textured, and somehow depth of feeling never gets lost in the shuffle. Whoever they're playing, the actors find innovative ways to portray connections with each other and the wonder and unease of each body. So it's remarkable to see the chemistry shift along with them. Schaad particularly has fun in the scene-stealing role as the cocky, abrasive Mo. So does Dassler when they swap. And Wodianka finds disarming radiant charm when he's inhabited by Leyla.

While the plot feels a bit scrambled, the script is packed with intriguing ideas, like how people are affected by the biology of and body they occupy, and take that with them permanently. Most inventive is the way the script plays so freely with expectations, exploring the question of whether we love someone's body, soul or both, and what gender has to do with it. The way each person reacts in this respect is fascinating, an important reminder that there's no right or wrong way to love someone.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

27.Aug.22 vff