A Hollywood-style suspense comedy film, but a distinctive Saudi story
Naga It is a chaotic, suspenseful comedy film that tells a distinct Saudi story in an elegant, Hollywood-like way.
Adwa Badr plays Sarah, a young Saudi woman whose conservative father imposes a strict curfew on her after she asks if she can go shopping. But the shopping spree is a hoax, and Sarah has different plans. Instead of wandering around the stores spread across Riyadh, Sarah meets on a secret date with her potential fiancé, Saad (Yazid Al-Majoul).
Saad tells Sarah that he has an invitation to an underground party in the desert. Sarah cannot resist the temptation and quickly agrees to leave. But only if Saad promised to have it back by 10 p.m., the time her father insisted on being outside the store to pick her up.
However, this plan begins to fail almost immediately. When Saad and Sarah are on their way out into the desert, they are met by a man with a gun driving a jeep, and then they collide with a rabid camel, which is not only bloodthirsty, but also intent on killing them. Revenge – whatever they have to deal with while they’re drunk.
Throughout the day, the duo must deal with various members of Saudi society, including a deceitful poet. All while Sarah watches the ticking clock. The chances of her returning to her father in time are becoming increasingly remote, especially because there is a popular football match being held in the city, bringing traffic to a standstill.
Written and directed by Meshal Al-Jasser, There is Disturbance Naga This makes the movie seem like it could easily spiral out of control and become boring. But to Al-Jasser’s credit, he is always in complete control of the story, even managing to take it in a variety of surprising directions, while also ensuring that every challenge Sarah faces is told in either a funny, suspenseful, or creative way. fashion.
Al-Jasser is aided in this endeavor by the performance of star-turned-star Badr, who is utterly mesmerizing as the rebellious Sarah. Even though she can’t help but do it her own way frequently, starting fights and going into off-limits areas without a moment’s thought, Badr still brings a grit and vulnerability to the character that keeps you fully invested in her plight.
Without a strong performer like Badr, there is every chance that will happen Naga It will run out of stream. Especially because, as Sarah’s night becomes increasingly perilous, Naga It threatens to seem like a series of vignettes rather than a fluid narrative. However, this turbulent approach only serves to enhance the film’s chaotic energy, and helps make it feel more distinct and unique.
Obviously inspired by the likes of Martin Scorsese After hours, Safadi brothers good time In Quentin Tarantino’s work, Al-Jasser is always looking for an eye-catching angle or moving the camera quickly in an attempt to make viewers feel as if they are lost in the desert with Sarah. At the same time, he has the confidence to slow down the story, suddenly take a non-linear approach, delve into different genres, and even bring a surreal feel to the set pieces, all without going too far.
Not everything is from Naga He works. There are scenes that feel unnecessary, while Al-Jasser’s direction seems indulgent at times, and could perhaps be tighter and shorter.
But even these minor flaws do not stop Naga Of being quite entertaining the whole time. It’s always fun, and often very funny. Most importantly, the film highlights Al-Jasser and Badr as innovative and dazzling creators who the film world should be excited about and taking notice of.
Naga will be released on Netflix on Thursday
Updated: December 5, 2023 at 2:52 AM
