Sirāt: Movie Review

Cast: Sergi López, Bruno Núñez Arjona, Richard Bellamy, Stefania Gadda, Joshua Liam  Henderson, Tonin Janvier, Jade Oukid 

Director: Oliver Laxe

There are two major events in Sirāt that absolutely defy belief.

But, Oliver Laxe's movie is polarising because of those singular moments, which the whole film leads towards.

Beginning with a simple sequence of a dance party in the middle of the Moroccan deserts, the film starts with speakers being stacked up high, switched on and beats pushed out through their subwoofers. As the sound begins to enchant the gathered crowds and they surrender to the rhythms, the film feels like an extended party.

However, in the middle of this, a man with a rucksack Luis, along with his young son Esteban pushes through the crowds, dishing out flyers and desperately trying to trace his missing daughter. All seemingly innocent and yet, the second day of the party sees the military show up unexpectedly, their presence recalling the Hamas attack of October 7.

Their message is a simple one - conflict has erupted into World War III and they must leave. But as Luis and a group of new friends from the party scene head out in a convoy, they break off from military guidance, to go to places unknown. As Luis continues his quest for his daughter, life conspires in surprising ways to help him reach his ultimate destination.

It's hard to discuss Sirāt without revealing the shocks that lie within. One is a moment of sheer gut-wrenching horror - the other, an almost comedic act of tragedy that suggests in some ways that Laxe isn't sure how to end his film.

In many ways, this is a coming-of-age, road-trip film that, while well-shot, occasionally meanders towards its destination. Lopez (Pan's Labyrinth) may prove to be a willing participant and an excellently subtle performance that turns on one moment anchors his whole role - and he delivers exquisitely and immensely.

For some, Sirāt won't be worth the journey. Its destination is a strange denouement and there's a distinct feeling of futility as it ends. Despite excellent cinematography and an almost hidden message of never giving up, Sirāt offers much for meditation, even if its overlong delivery feels like little really happens outside of a handful of moments of extreme consequence.