A Striking Portrait of Silent Struggles and Resistance

Read Time:4 Minute, 33 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Saint Rose
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 13m
Director(s): Zayn Alexandre
Writer(s): Zayn Alexandre
Cast: Ghada Basma, Sharon Chepkwemoi Watoka
Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Where To Watch: world premiered at the 2024 Red Sea International Film Festival; future showings TBD

RAVING REVIEW: Few films effectively condense emotion and thematic complexity into a short runtime like Saint Rose. This drama combines striking visuals, heartfelt performances, and sharp social commentary to tell a deeply personal and universally resonant story. It’s a testament to how powerful storytelling can thrive within any constraints, presenting a portrait of quiet resistance against systemic oppression.

The narrative revolves around Rose (Ghada Basma,) a Muslim housewife living a life filled with routine and repression. Tasked with preparing for her daughter’s engagement, she faces a controlling hand from her domineering husband, a figure emblematic of the structures that confine her. While her home outwardly reflects order, it is a silent prison, and the bathroom becomes her only sanctuary. In this intimate space, she imagines a world beyond her constraints. Rose finds an unlikely ally in Becky (Sharon Chepkwemoi Watoka,) her Kenyan housekeeper, whose small yet meaningful acts of rebellion provide brief relief from an otherwise crushing reality. This dynamic underscores the film’s central theme: the shared strength between women from different walks of life, bound by their struggles against oppression.

SAINT ROSE offers the viewers deliberate choices that mirror the protagonist’s inner turmoil. Cinematographer Karim Kassem employs symmetry and controlled compositions in the early scenes to reflect Rose’s tightly constrained existence. These visuals gradually break down as Rose’s emotional state unravels, transitioning into fragmented, chaotic imagery. The shift is seamless and effective in pulling the audience into her mindset, using visual language to tell the story as much as the dialogue and performances.

This film thrives in its ability to balance tonal shifts without losing its core focus. Primarily a drama, it introduces moments of dark humor that emerge during pivotal scenes, particularly in the end. These satirical undertones critique expectations and reflect their absurdity. While some viewers might find the transitions abrupt, they enrich the narrative by adding complexity and an element of surprise, ensuring the story doesn’t feel overly heavy-handed or predictable.

The decision to feature an all-female cast strengthens the film’s message, emphasizing the unique bonds that can exist between women despite differences in their social standing. Rose and Becky’s relationship, marked by subtle gestures and unspoken understanding, becomes a focal point of the story.

Director Zayn Alexandre’s ability to translate personal pain into a universally relatable narrative is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. He ensures the film resonates by grounding the more prominent themes of patriarchy and resilience in specific moments. The performances are equally essential in bringing this story to life. Basma shines as Rose, delivering a portrayal that captures the tension between quiet endurance and rebellion. Her performance is understated yet powerful, using minimal dialogue to express a world of emotion. Watoka, as Becky, provides a steady and compassionate presence that complements Rose’s volatility.

Due to its brief runtime, SAINT ROSE leaves some aspects of the story underdeveloped. While hinted at, Rose and Becky’s backstories could benefit from additional exploration to deepen their characters further. Similarly, while the tone shifts add, the climax’s edge might feel jarring to some, particularly without more buildup. As a proof of concept for Alexandre’s forthcoming feature film, this short sets a promising foundation. It teases the possibility of even greater exploration of its themes in a longer format, showcasing Alexandre’s potential as a director who can combine profoundly personal storytelling with broader societal commentary.

The film’s ability to convey so much in such a short span remains impressive. It tackles themes of gender, culture, and resistance, presenting a personal and universal narrative. The exploration of these issues is sharp and focused, making the film a thought-provoking piece long after its conclusion.

SAINT ROSE is a thought-provoking exploration of resilience, solidarity, and the quiet ways individuals resist oppressive systems. Through its impressive storytelling, nuanced performances, and emotional resonance, the film captures the strength it takes to endure and the universal desire for freedom.

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[photo courtesy of ZMA ENTERTAINMENT LLC]

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