The Blue Caftan – REVIEW
Image: The Blue Caftan. Image: film still
A woman’s love for her husband is put to the test as a sexual attraction builds between two men in this high quality LGBT award-winning film from Morocco.
Halim runs a small caftan-making business with his wife Mina. When they employ Youssef, a handsome young apprentice, feelings which may be considered forbidden in his traditional society flourish between the two men.
Mina catches her husband gazing at the youthful apprentice and audiences should feel their mutual attraction from the onset.
Is it lust or love? Torn between the love for his wife and the aching need to be with Youssef, can he and should he suppress his feelings?
This delicate subject matter is dealt with tenderness and the slow-burning nature of the story predominantly centres on the relationship with his wife and the demons he is fighting to maintain nobility within his marriage.
Beautifully filmed, the cast deliver impeccable performances and the chemistry between the two male leads is suffocating.
“Don’t be afraid to love!” Mina exclaims to her husband as her health deteriorates owing to her battle with breast cancer. Is she indirectly giving her blessing to Halim to pursue a loving relationship with Youssef?
There’s mild nudity but no graphic sex scenes, effectively replaced by silent eye contact and the awkwardness and innocence as both men are quietly conversing.
The final quarter of the movie is intensely emotional, which builds to a tearful yet somewhat satisfying conclusion.
★★★★
Screens at the Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival Feb 15 – Mar 2
www.queerscreen.org.au
Opens nationally in theatres May 18
