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Young Helali is superb as a boy whose life is sent spiralling in an incomprehensible direction. We vividly see the shock set in, fear followed by bewildering disbelief and a striking sense of internal resolve. This is a full-bodied performance that takes the audience on an intensely powerful journey. His ongoing mind's-eye friendship with Samouni's charismatic Nizar has beautiful textures. And the people around Achraf are so earthy, complex and authentic that they can't help but bring everything to life.

Reacting to this situation, the family understands that the state will never find justice for Nizar. And they have no sympathy at all for whatever cause the killers are fighting for. These people just want to live their lives apart from the political problems of the region. But it's impossible to expect that they can remain untouched by these things. So the film works both as an account of a specific story and a much wider reminder.

themes, language, violence

19.Jun.25

Naturalistic performances pull us into the story, identifying with the characters in unexpected ways. Jimenez gives Jacobo a beautifully open-hearted quality that's expressed with his full physicality. His connections with his mother, Brian, Jose Luis and Erasmo emerge in remarkably elemental ways that let us see into his soul. What each person is feeling is unusually complex. And the supporting actors also bring bracing credibility to their roles.

The story quietly plays out in chapters that are titled as stages in a spiritual retreat, echoing Jacobo's yoga lessons, as well as his zen-like approach. But he's also clinging to the past in the form of this house, and this priest as well. There's a stunning contrast later to Brian's gleaming modern home, and he tells Jacobo to snap out of it. As does his mother. But Jacobo needs to find the truth in his own way, and this is a moving depiction of how only the whole truth can set you free.

themes, language, sexuality

27.Jun.25

Bruni Tedeschi uses a breathy voice to heighten Nicole's flighty persona, making her likeable even when she's doing or saying something that's darkly frustrating. But much of this is simply because she thinks way outside the lines, which is clearly what has caused her problems. Azabal has a wonderfully matter-of-fact presence as Norah. And Lefebvre is also terrific as the thoughtful Serge, who fully understands what is going on. He remains kind until he simply can't hold his tongue any more. But it's clear he still cares.

The big blow-up between them feels more scripted than authentic, escalating rapidly into nastiness. Nicole is aware that she's not smart or special, largely because pretty much everyone has treated her as stupid. But Norah enjoys the way Nicole is a walking disaster, and so does Serge. Things shift as Nicole meets neighbours she's lived next to for years but has never spoken to or tried to understand. This point may be obvious, but it also reminds us how important it is to find perspective on ourselves and the world around us.

themes, language

24.Jun.25