Mandoob

Ali Kalthami's directorial debut "Mandoob" (Night Courier) offers a captivating glimpse into the underbelly of Saudi Arabia's nightlife, a world rarely seen on screen. The film follows Fahad, a call center agent who resorts to working as a food delivery-app courier to make ends meet. Faced with mounting medical bills for his ailing father and the pressure to succeed, Fahad turns to more illicit means to survive.

Kalthami's portrayal of the marginalized in Saudi society is both heartbreaking and refreshing. The film brings attention to the struggles of those living on the fringes, far removed from the glamour and wealth often associated with the Kingdom. "Mandoob" is a character study that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by many Saudis, including limited job opportunities and the challenges of upward mobility.

While the film's pacing and genre may falter at times, Mohammed Aldokhi's performance as Fahad is the glue that holds the narrative together. Aldokhi brings a raw vulnerability to the character, making Fahad's plight all the more compelling. Despite its flaws, "Mandoob" is a bold and important film that gives voice to the voiceless in one of the world's most conservative nations.