A young man struggles to survive in a family ListenLoti Nathan’s first feature film at the Cannes Film Festival Un Certain Regard. Set in Tunisia, it is a silent and impressive portrait of a man’s life after his father’s death.
Ali (Adam Besa) hasn’t seen his family for a long time, but is suddenly given responsibility for his two younger sisters. Ali sells gasoline on the streets without a license and hides or drinks the money. Now he should strengthen and lead the family, even if no one believes he is fit for the job. This is a world where decisions are made out of desperation and this will be the first of many.
Ali is clearly out of place in a family home where her sisters lead quiet, hardworking lives, even sleeping outdoors outside the home. As his sisters think about the reasons for this, we think: does he feel unworthy, unworthy of his father’s bed? Are you trying to protect his sisters? Are you more used to sleeping outdoors?
Both writer / director Nathan and actor Besa let us guess in the best way. It’s thrilling to see Besa perform so often without words. Ali gets louder as he struggles to get an honest job; His frustration reinforces the heartbreaking climax. There is a Kafkaesque air as he pleads with the authorities and encounters obstacles on every corner.
Their plight has universal resonance, but there is also a strong sense of place as people flee Tunisia across the border and feel the effects of the Arab Spring. There is also a memorable scene when Ali goes to a spa to see his brother working there. Tourists who dine at a table in the sun accidentally spend money that could save Ali’s home. Seeing with his eyes is a moment that can appear to you during your next vacation.
The performances are equally powerful: Besa is a versatile actor who can express insecurity at one time and anger at another. Salima Maatug is perfect as Ali Jr., yet the choice to use her character as a narrator had mixed consequences, as did the accompanying music.
Listen It is best when we approach harsh realism, inviting us into human life and routine that is not a simple sacrifice, but a complex character whose destiny is easy to invest.
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
