Review: The Settlement
by Ola Salwa
- BERLINALE 2025: Underprivileged youths from Alexandria strive for a better future in the soft and sensitive narrative debut by Mohamed Rashad
What happens when there are no good options left? Should you fight for a better future or simply linger on the outskirts of life, waiting for time to pass? These are the questions faced by 23-year-old Hossam (Adham Shoukry), the protagonist of The Settlement [+see also:
interview: Mohamed Rashad
film profile], the debut feature by writer-director Mohamad Rashad and an Egyptian-French-German-Qatari-Saudi Arabian entry in the Perspectives competition at the 75th Berlinale.
Hossam returns home after his father dies in an accident at a factory. There is no investigation, and the family receives no compensation, known as blood money. Instead, Hossam is given his father’s job, which, in their poor Alexandria community, is seen as a viable deal. He must also step up at home, taking care of his ailing mother (Hanadi Abdel Khalek) and his 12-year-old brother Maro (Ziad Islam). This task won’t be easy, as Hossam’s past life as a drug dealer starts to call him back. He also meets a worker who was involved in the accident that led to his father’s death.
The Settlement is not a revenge film, nor is it the typical kind of social critique that we know so well from the works of the Dardenne brothers or Ken Loach. However, there is a clear, yet discreet, comment about class division that has a decisive influence on Hossam’s life.
Rashad, with his documentary background, brings a similar observational approach to The Settlement. The strategy of showing just how repetitive and mostly uneventful days at the factory and at home are is impactful and provides ample opportunity to actually understand the realities of the daily lives of the protagonists. Additionally, this technique helps forge an emotional connection with Hossam, whose subdued presence is intriguing. The more silent he is, the more we want to understand his perspective, and we find ourselves rooting for him to carve out a life for himself.
Rashad’s film’s strongest feature is the performances by the non-professional leads, Shoukry and Islam. The relationship between the brothers serves as the emotional heart of the story. Even though Maro is younger, he is the one who teaches Hossam how to be a grown man by telling him what is honourable behaviour. On the other hand, there is a strict and harsh factory manager who uses Hossam to get drugs and who doesn’t care much about the safety of his employees. These two relationships provide a roadmap for the protagonist, but they are also symbols of the control exerted over individuals by their families and by society at large. In this world, there seems to be very limited space for functioning in society, and the safest option is just to tuck into some humble pie. Or just to sign off from societal expectations and live outside the city, the law or any structure that, under normal conditions, would provide a feeling of safety, rather than one of enslavement.
For some viewers, the slow pace might become frustrating, particularly as the subplot involving Hossam’s love interest feels underdeveloped and lacking in dramatic payoff. However, the authentic and organic atmosphere of the film makes up for its shortcomings. The Settlement is one of those modest movies that may be overlooked, but it’s worth immersing yourself in a world where happiness is rare and the pride in a younger brother’s eyes is the ultimate reward.
The Settlement was produced by Hassala Films, and co-produced by Caractères Productions, SEERA Film and the Doha Film Institute. Mad World handles its international sales.
Photogallery 20/02/2025: Berlinale 2025 - The Settlement
7 pictures available. Swipe left or right to see them all.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive more stories like this directly in your inbox.