Aadat

A cold story about a student, naif and idealistic, a sex worker and a room in a motel. The realism of reactions represents the main virtue. In same measure, the end reminds a tough reality . A cold story about business and exploration of sexual orientation. And, off course, about law in islamic state, with its kinky nuances.

I live in a Muslim country and have seen exactly the self repression and self doubt that we see in this film afflicting some young men questioning their sexual orientation with regard to societal, cultural or religious mores. Some accept their urges but with rules - they'll only be active, for example as it's somehow less "shameful". Others such as Tariq in this film accept their proclivities.

The two actors did a fine job of portraying a nervous client and a confident rent boy. The intervention at the end was well played too. And absolutely true to life, the final image of the door closing spoke to a truth in many Muslim societies - despise gays in the open but use them in secret.

This is worth a watch for an insight into how rigid norms can twist human interactions.