Basma Review: Produced by Mohamed Hefzy and Walaa Bahefzallah, and directed, written by, and starring Fatima AlBanawi in the lead role as Bassouma, the Saudi Arabian movie بـسمــة also features Rim Rufael as Emma, Terad Sindi as Waleed, Yasir AlSasi as Dr. Adly, Mai Hakeem, Mohammed Fawzi as Malik and others. This Netflix film has a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Basma Review
Netflix has introduced the Saudi Arabian film Basma to the global stage. This poignant drama follows the journey of a young woman, Basma, also known as Bassouma, who returns to her hometown of Jeddah after spending two years studying in the United States. Upon her return, she discovers that her family is not as she left it; her parents have divorced, and her father’s mental health has deteriorated significantly, a fact her family had hidden from her.
Faced with her father’s debilitating illness and the disintegration of her family, Bassouma decides to move in with him. She is confronted with the harsh realities of his condition and the impact it has had on their family dynamics. In her quest to support her father and mend the broken family bonds, her embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery, striving to restore the happiness and unity that once defined her family.
Before delving into the technical aspects, it’s crucial to highlight the film’s insightful portrayal of mental health issues and the diverse ways individuals address them. The film vividly illustrates the beliefs people hold and the varied reactions they have when confronted with someone suffering from mental health challenges. In Bassouma’s case, her father struggled with his mental health, but he was in denial, refusing to seek medical help or take medication. This denial ultimately led to the disintegration of his family.
While Basma tackles a critical and often underrepresented issue in cinema, it falters in its execution. One significant problem is its lack of elaboration on the origins of the story, giving the impression that it was jumping around. The entire family dynamic isn’t clearly depicted, leaving viewers with a fragmented understanding of the characters and their relationships. Although Bassouma is well-developed and her motivations are clear, the other characters are less defined, making it difficult to fully grasp the family’s past and their current state.
Bassouma’s initial blind faith in her father, driven by her love for him, transforms as she realizes the importance of his need for treatment. This character arc is compelling and grounded in reality, highlighting the internal struggle many face when dealing with a loved one’s mental health issues. However, the film’s pacing undermines this narrative strength. The transition from her blind faith to the recognition of the need for professional help feels rushed and lacks the depth required to make a lasting impact.
Technically, the film is competent but unremarkable. The cinematography captures the essence of Jeddah, juxtaposing the city’s vibrant life with the sombre atmosphere of Bassouma’s personal struggles. However, there are moments when the film’s visual storytelling feels disconnected from the emotional weight of the narrative. The editing is another area where the film falls short; abrupt cuts and uneven scene transitions disrupt the flow, making it challenging to stay engaged with the story.
The supporting cast delivers decent performances, but their characters are underutilized. The film touches on the strained relationships between her parents, her siblings, and her extended family, but these subplots are not sufficiently explored. This lack of depth might leave viewers with an incomplete picture of the family’s dynamics and the individual struggles each member faces. A more nuanced exploration of these relationships could have added layers to the narrative, making the family’s plight more relatable and impactful.
Despite its shortcomings, Basma has moments of genuine emotion that resonate. Scenes where Basma confronts her father’s illness and her own limitations in helping him are particularly poignant. These moments offer a glimpse into the potential the film had to be a powerful commentary on mental health and family bonds. Unfortunately, these glimpses are overshadowed by the film’s inability to maintain a coherent and engaging narrative throughout its runtime.
Basma Review: Final Thoughts
Basma is a film with a tragic premise and the potential to shed light on important issues, but it ultimately falls short. Its fragmented storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and uneven pacing detract from the emotional impact it strives to achieve. While the film’s portrayal of mental health struggles and the personal journey of its protagonist are commendable, they are not enough to elevate it beyond a forgettable drama. It serves as a reminder that a compelling premise and good intentions alone are not sufficient; a film must also excel in execution to leave a lasting impression on its audience.
Basma is now streaming ng on Netflix.
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