Three

I stumbled upon "THREE" at The Red Sea International Film Festival, and what a captivating ride it turned out to be! This unique exploration of Islamic exorcism had me on the edge of my seat, especially the spine-chilling use of cotton that added a whole new layer to the narrative.

Breaking away from the typical horror clichés, "THREE" dives deep into psychological storytelling, steering clear of predictable scares and excessive gore. The cinematography is absolutely stunning, though there were moments when performances wavered a bit. Yet, the film gracefully maintained its essence throughout.

The twist at the end was a masterstroke, leaving me pleasantly surprised. My only wish was for a bit more exploration of the intricate mother-son relationship. Jefferson Hall's portrayal, although deliberately uneasy, fit the film's tone well.

In a nutshell, "THREE" delivers a unique take on exorcism with an unexpected ending that sets it apart from other films. I would however say it was more a phycological drama than a horror film (but two scenes were quiet scary).

Nayla Al Khaja's THREE not only claims the title of the best psychological horror film in the UAE but extends its impact across the entire Middle East. Rooted in personal experiences mirroring the depicted events, the film achieves an almost tangible realism, notably in its portrayal of exorcisms.

Nayla's adept direction is evident in the flawless execution of the production, a remarkable feat considering the majority was filmed in Thailand, with only a handful of scenes set in the UAE-an intriguing fact. The actors, particularly Saud, deliver stellar performances. While a minor critique points to some prolonged scenes in the beginning, the overall execution is commendable. Anticipation for Nayla's future projects is high, given her demonstrated ability to craft compelling narratives within the realm of psychological horror.

Exciting times lie ahead for Nayla!

This is a captivating and gripping break-through Khaleeji (Arabian Gulf) film. It successfully and accurately depicts a stark reality of contemporary Gulf life, that of local populations living in 'modernity', but remaining stubbornly conservative and superstitious. This attachment to folklore, mysticism and dogmatic faith often gets in the way of truth and scientific understanding. The film does an excellent job of capturing the subtleties of khaleeji life, such as the pervasive gender bias, that includes social attitudes towards single mothers and particularly female khaleeji relationships with foreign men (Taboo!). Perhaps the spirit of rebuttal is best captured by the movie's strong leading female roles and being directed and produced by two prominent Emirati females!

A heartfelt thank you to the UAE for gifting us this cinematic gem. Their contribution to the world of horror has left audiences globally captivated and on the edge of their seats. Gratitude to the creators who crafted this masterpiece, showcasing the power of international storytelling in the realm of fear and suspense.

"Prepare to be on the edge of your seat with this chilling horror masterpiece. From spine-tingling suspense to heart-pounding scares, this film weaves a gripping tale that will haunt your dreams. A must-watch for horror enthusiasts craving an adrenaline rush - it's a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

This exceptional thriller is a suspense masterclass from start to finish. The narrative, with its intricate plot twists and suspenseful storytelling, kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat. The characters are portrayed with depth, each layer revealing hidden complexities. Tension fills every scene, designed to keep viewers guessing. The cinematography brilliantly captures the psychological rollercoaster with atmospheric visuals and dynamic camera work.

In conclusion, this psychological thriller is a cinematic gem that demands immediate attention. It's a must-watch for those who appreciate a well-crafted story, exceptional performances, and an immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll. An edge-of-your-seat journey into the complexities of the human mind, this film undoubtedly sets a high standard for the genre.