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| FESTIVAL DU NOUVEAU CINÉMA DE MONTRÉAL • 9 > 20 oct 2024 |
FRANÇAIS app de traduction à gauche
Meryam Joobeur’s feature debut, “Who Do I Belong To,” is a poignant exploration of identity, intimacy, and the haunting consequences of conflict. Set against the serene backdrop of a Tunisian farm, the film unfolds a narrative steeped in quiet intensity, revealing how the personal is inexorably intertwined with the political. It is a tender meditation on the emotional landscapes of its characters, primarily the women, whose stories resonate long after the credits roll.
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| TRAILER |
At the heart of the film lies Aïcha, portrayed with remarkable nuance by Salha Nasraoui. The opening scene, in which she lovingly shaves her husband Brahim’s face, encapsulates the film's delicate approach to intimacy. The extreme close-ups employed by cinematographer Vincent Gonneville serve not just to capture the physicality of the characters but to transform their faces into landscapes of emotion. Here, we see the paradox of love set against the backdrop of a world marred by violence and loss.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that while Brahim’s presence looms large, it is the women—Aïcha and Reem, Mehdi’s enigmatic wife—who carry the emotional weight of the story. Dea Liane’s portrayal of Reem is especially striking; her expressive eyes, largely framed by her niqab, convey a spectrum of emotion that speaks volumes in the absence of dialogue. This visual storytelling challenges viewers to look beyond surface appearances and consider the deeper truths that reside within.
Joobeur masterfully balances moments of intimacy with jarring realities. The film demands a receptive state of mind from its audience, inviting them to engage deeply with the characters’ internal struggles. This is particularly evident in the film's more distressing sequences, such as the revelation of how Reem and Mehdi met during his time with ISIS. This brutal juxtaposition of love and violence underscores the film's exploration of morality and the often blurred lines between right and wrong in a world where survival can lead to moral compromise.
Aïcha’s journey, marked by her stoicism, reflects the film's broader themes of resilience and loss. Her powerful subconscious serves as a conduit for the film’s more surreal elements, leaving viewers questioning the nature of reality and dreams. Joobeur’s decision to blur these lines is both destabilizing and enriching, urging us to consider how the emotional landscape shapes our understanding of the world.
Moreover, the film's earthy visual aesthetic—marked by Gonneville's cinematography and evocative location choices—paints a vivid portrait of rural life, contrasting sharply with the chaos of war. This tactile quality heightens the emotional stakes, making moments of violence feel all the more shocking when they punctuate the otherwise serene existence of Aïcha’s family.
Joobeur's debut is not just a narrative about war; it is a testament to the strength of familial bonds and the enduring spirit of women. The ensemble cast, a blend of professionals and newcomers, enhances the film’s authenticity, particularly with the inclusion of the Mechergui brothers, whose real-life dynamics lend a palpable sense of intimacy.
In conclusion, “Who Do I Belong To” is a deeply affecting work that navigates the complexities of identity, love, and loss. Joobeur’s directorial voice emerges as a powerful force, demanding both introspection and empathy from its audience. It’s a film that resonates long after viewing, a haunting reminder of the fragile beauty of life amidst the shadows of conflict.
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