Breaking Fast

BREAKING FAST is everything I love in a romcom. It's funny, sweet, and heartwarming, with completely relatable characters. It's an old school premise (2 characters fall in love over the holidays amidst a backdrop of shenanigans from friends and family), with a modern day twist (it's Ramadan instead of Christmas and the lead role is a gay, Arab, Muslim man!). Amin El Gamal (the best friend) and Rula Gardenier (the mom) are absolute scene stealers! And the chemistry between the 2 leads, Haaz Sleiman and Michael Cassidy, is palpable and sizzling. This movie is an absolute delight!

Being a straight English non Muslim woman I may not be the target audience for this film but seeing all the new negative reviews for this film, I felt that I had to stand up for this sweet movie as someone who has actually seen it. I am not usually one for romcoms either but a pandemic can do weird things to a person. This has been a go to for me during lockdown, being a gentle funny film to pass the time with. Not having a lot that I recognise in my actual life ie. the LA gay scene or Muslim life I found it to be quite respectful of the ideas of Islam in the way it shows a very demure love story with the American character having respect for the traditions of the Muslim character, calling him out on some of his assumptions but never disrespecting Islam itself, just sometimes questioning Mo's rigid ideas of how others should behave and to see things from their point of view. The idea of this being set in Ramadan has upset some reviewers but honestly it is a framework for the idea of making a connection and sharing an important part of your life with them.

Breaking Fast is the type of film that if you watched it in a movie theater you would stay until the very last end credit because you wouldn't want to leave a second earlier. It is a perfect, heartfelt rom-com of the highest order with genuine, lovely performances, wonderful writing and terrific directing. It is exactly the film we need right now, tomorrow and into the future. One of hope, love and learning to be your best self with someone else. Highly recommend it. Prepare to swoon,

Finally! A film about Arabs that doesn't involve tired tropes and stereotypes. And a beautiful love story at that. This film has everything-its romantic, funny, and clever. It thoughtfully explores what it means to be both Muslim and gay, without assuming those two identities are in conflict with one another. The writing, acting, and directing is top notch. The music is incredible and adds so much to the story. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite films!

This is a beautiful different special gay rom-com because it includes a gay muslim character and this kind of representation is usually not so common, and it's interesting. The script is nice with many interesting deep lines, and sometimes it's both hilarious and emotional. Performances are all very good. Cinematography is awesome too with many beautiful shots. Breaking Fast is a unique important light funny touching rom-com.