The Judgment

Absolutely epic acting / performances. The story was fascinating and directed hauntingly beautiful. Loved the music and all the authentic locations. So many surprising Plot twists and real characters who you will fall in love with. It's not really a horror film though for those who only want that, it may not be for you. It's a psychological thriller, drama with horror elements. I've never seen a film like this and was intrigued from the very first opening. It didn't need gore or even nudity to bring across all the extreme themes of the story. Beautiful cinematography!! Can't stress enough how well it was acted, from the lead J. Zahdi to everyone else!

Not your usual LGBtQ film. Nothing usual about this film at all. Just an intense rollercoaster ride from start to finish and it hits alll the feels.

Absolutely love it. Such a wonderful message too. In all that dark drama the writer managed to hit us with a super positive, uplifting message in the end. Amazing. Must watch!!

I would not have predicted that a screenplay that blends elements of a horror / supernatural genre film with a same-sex love story could work very well as either. But I was pleasantly surprised.

Set in Egypt though largely filmed in Lebanon. The picture is atmospheric and immersive. The scenes intended to provide tension are effectively filmed and provide the suspense expected in a horror movie.

The setting, in a repressive society, puts constraints on the romantic scenes which the actors skillfully handle. The dazzling Junes Zahdi plays the focal character, Mo, with finesse. I was not familiar with him and will be interested so seek out his other work.

This film went so deep in the psychological and social dilemma people live in that specific radical culture. It's screaming for more awareness and compassion in the topic and I think this is a big step.

The film kept me on edge and I could really connect with the characters. Amazing acting, you could really feel the pain and the madness the characters were going through. I think is was a very well done film, from acting to cinematography, from directing to execution. I really believe this is one of a kind and it's a big step for people in the situation to be loved.

Congratulations to the filmmakers.

I live in Morocco where black magic/witchcraft is also practised and I know the superstitiousness of many of my friends and acquaintances here. One friend who has been abroad and has modern tastes and ideas ran out of my kitchen once because I poured boiling water down the sink - he was terrified the sink demon would get us for burning him. A belief in magic is deeply ingrained in Arab culture despite the fact that it is haram in Islam. Even in the home of the Hajj, one of the former Saudi King's wives was a Moroccan and no one would cross her as she reputedly had such powerful spells.

So for Mo, despite being brought up mostly in the States, the fear and terror of superstition came bubbling up to the surface and affected his mental equilibrium.

Some of the supernatural scenes in the film were truly frightening and evoked a shiver down my spine. And as a love story between two Arab men, a powerful point was made that they harmed no one and that the religious zealots persecuting gay men and women are actually the evil ones.

I loved the part played by Hichem's mum. Mothers know their sons! Especially Arab ones.

As a film performed partly in the imagination, this was nonetheless convincing - my attention didn't waver for an instant.

I have one small quibble though. Not all of the Arabic dialogue was subtitled. I'm not at all proficient in Egyptian Arabic although my knowledge of Moroccan Darija helped somewhat. It was extremely annoying that I missed out on some of what people were saying.

That apart, I recommend this film.

Heartwarming performance, thrilling plot.. Very much recommended. Cannot wait for it to be released in cinemas.

The two main actors delivered a wonderful, intimate and never affected performance. I was thrilled to see how homosexuality is portrayed in Egypt, we need more of such movies.

The film featured in the "Lovers film festival" Turin, I hope this film gets as much visibility as it clearly deserves.

I was very touched by their story, I hope we will see many more movies that give voice to the story of queer people outside of Europe and the United States of America.

Overall a very touching and intimate performance, cannot but recommend it.