As an expat living in Morocco, this film said so much to me. Parts of my life were here in myriad previous experiences as were those of many of my friends and acquaintances both local and foreign.
Moroccan-language films have never been afraid to tackle controversial subjects but rarely have prostitution, adultery and homosexuality been so openly portrayed. For those not familiar with the country, all three can be subject to swingeing penalties, although the cops rarely make it their business to pursue such "crimes".
So much was true to life here. The daily struggle to survive of a single mother who is aging and losing her allure was convincing. Aïcha Tebbae as Fatima-Zahra portrayed unflinchingly and accurately the life of a fading beauty, now blowsy and covered in slap, her dyed hair giving the game away that she's a good-time girl. Abdellah El Hajjouji playing Selim, a first-time actor like Tebbae, was perfect as an uneducated youth questioning his sexuality and slowly acting on it. Hints of this appeared early in the film when Abdou and he congratulated each other for being "bogosses". Moroccan guys just don't do this for fear of appearing faggy or implying that the other guy is. Selim acted in all ways like the unreflective lad he was, running away, shouting, questioning, lying, stealing. His relationship with Sébastien developed until the end of the story, opening up more possibilities.
Another truism in the story was the exploitative relationships between locals and foreigners. "Christians" were there to make money out of from the point of view of Moroccans. The locals had a subservient place according to the expats. This colonial-style hangover is slowly fading fortunately as Morocco modernises and thrusts its own way into the world stage. However, betrayal by Moroccans of other Moroccans was portrayed too. I should have seen the final call-boy result coming.
The ending of the film was heartbreaking for mother and son. Both had their faults and mistakes. I don't want to leave spoilers but for me, the finale was pessimistic in terms of their future together.
There was so much in this film and so many themes that the writers and director drew together into a coherent whole. I don't see how this opus could have been bettered.
