Capernaum - Movie Review

Why the hell wasn't Zain Al Rafeea nominated by the Academy for Best Actor? Okay, maybe this film didn't meet the screen requirements for 2018. I have to believe it was a technical reason and not a simple oversight. Because this may well have been the best performance of 2018. It was certainly better than Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody, considered by some to be the favorite this year (I really don't know why...he just wasn't that good). In any event, if you have an opportunity to see Capernaum while it is still in theaters, go see it.

Zain (Zain Al Rafeea) is a sinewy twelve-year-old. Zain is an unregistered child in a poor area of Lebanon. He hustles money working for Assaad (Nour El Housseini). He also uses forged prescriptions to buy drugs that his family smuggles into jail to make a unique form of prison hooch. Zain is overly protective of his sister, Sahar (Haita "Cedra" Izzam). When eleven-year-old Sahar is promised to Assaad for marriage, Zain attempts to run away with her. His plan fails, but Zain leaves anyway. His hollow eyes reflect an experience and loss that betrays what remains of his wiry youthfulness. Zain ends up at a small amusement park, lonely and hungry. He finds sympathy in an illegal Ethiopian worker named Rahil (Yordanos Shiferaw). Zain needs food and shelter, Rahil needs someone to help care for her young son, Yonas (Boluwatife Treasure Bankole). It is an odd relationship that works out well for everyone involved. When Rahil ends up with legal issues, Zain is left to make hard decisions that will affect more than just his own future.

This original screenplay was created by Director Nadine Labaki who also plays an attorney in the film. She co-wrote along with Jihad Hojeily and Michelle Keserwany. I am not familiar with any of their earlier work but see that Labaki and Hojeily have worked together on previous projects. This one is likely to be their best. It will be hard to top. The characters are effective, drawing out empathy even when they don't deserve it. The story creates strong tension at times, leaving viewers to wonder how dark the film will turn. The story is original and manages to be a social commentary without preaching. It was measured, focusing on the characters and story and allowing the message to come through naturally. This story felt complete and even had an ending that was rewarding. While the pacing is deliberate, it never felt slow. This is a thoughtful film that requires a bit of introspection and contemplation while watching. I felt moved by it. If this film had qualified, I am certain it could have been nominated for best original screenplay. It could certainly stand toe-to-toe with First Reformed.

I believe Labaki managed to tease out every ounce of talent from her cast. The performances were moving. While I was unfamiliar with the cast, this was the type of film that didn't require familiar faces. It didn't matter. What mattered were the performances and the editing, which created compelling scenes that fully engaged me. It is hard to believe that Al Rafeea was a Syrian refugee working as a delivery boy when he was discovered by Labaki. Maybe those deep, hollow eyes have seen the things our character has seen. The scenes with Bankole are particularly poignant. The way they managed to get the young child to cooperate with particular scenes amazed me. And I would have truly believed that Shiferaw was her mother. I even felt connected with Haddad and Yousef who portrayed the boys parents. They were flawed people, yet relatable. Their performances allowed a humanity that might have otherwise been missed. The casting helped elevate this excellent film.

Capernaum received an R rating from the MPAA. The material is difficult to digest. The themes are certainly adult themes. It is a dark film, but not without redemption. The redemptive qualities of this film elevate it for me. There is a drug aspect to this film, as well as juvenile homelessness, child abuse and some adult references. Overall, this film is not violent or sexual. I would probably not limit this film to any particular age category. Younger viewers may have a difficult time coming to terms with the plot, but the film itself is not very objectionable to me. I am not going to place an age restriction on this one. Great film. Run time is two hours, six minutes.

I have seen a few of the foreign film nominees for the Academy Awards this year. It is a solid group. I enjoyed both Cold War and Shoplifters. I gave both of those films a solid 7.5 recommendation. This film is better. I would have a hard time believing Roma is better than this film. I think Roma will win because it has had greater exposure. And because Netflix purchased the rights to the film and has been attempting to influence the academy. Without having seen Roma, my vote is for Capernaum. This film should have been nominated for best original screenplay and Al Rafeea should have been nominated for Best Actor. Yes, it is that good. 9/10.

Trailer and images subject to copyright.