Tragedy, Triumph, and Total Devotion

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MOVIE REVIEW
Q
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Jude Chehab
Writer(s): Jude Chehab
Where To Watch: premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Jude Chehab's documentary Q pulls back the curtain on a matriarchal group in Lebanon's heartland. This film dances gracefully across the line between family bonds and total devotion, all while throwing light on the multilayered social context that is so deeply rooted. This film is, without a doubt, a passion project close to the heart of Chehab, and although the larger narrative spreads beyond, you can tell that family is at the core the entire time.

Chehab created a beautiful film that speaks profoundly about her mother's history and shines a light on the bigger picture of their society and heritage. She fearlessly takes us on an encounter to the depths of her mother, Hiba, and her spiritual allegiances. While also artfully entwining the narrative around Hiba's devotion to the group's leader, Anisa. As a result, the audience is served a dose of family tensions simmering on a burner of spiritual commitment.

The plot of Q veers off the well-trodden path exploring the invisible threads that bind lives together, probing the depths of faith that overshadow familial ties. Chehab's directorial touch creates undying love, shattered dreams, and lingering sorrow, all wrapped up in one story of how societal issues have reflected on her life.

The film lays bare Hiba's deep-rooted fidelity to a religious faction in Syria. It proceeds to explore the far-reaching implications of this commitment on the mother-daughter dynamic and the wider family fabric. Chehab navigates these murky waters with sensitivity and astuteness, painting a vivid picture that's hard to forget. At the same time, some may look at this and think, “How,” we only need to look to the US to see examples of the roots of groups like this all over. Obsession with political or religious figures can distort your entire view of the world.

Q doesn't just rest on the laurels of its engaging storyline. It transcends its central premise to invite viewers into a more expansive contemplation of love, loss, faith, and fixation. Despite its distinct narrative, the film aligns with universal human experiences, making it a relatable watch for audiences from various walks of life.

Q is more than just a film; it's a window into Chehab's exploration of faith and worldview, as influenced by her mother's life choices. Through it, she grapples with the unsettling realities surrounding her mother's devotion while also serving as a beacon of hope for Hiba's spiritual liberation. The film opens a dialogue for an alternate interpretation of Islam that cherishes diversity, thought, vibrancy, poetry, and the sheer joy of life.

In the grand scheme, Q offers a balanced critique of its intriguing subject matter while delving into its characters' inner emotional cruxes. It's a testament to Chehab's prowess in creating powerful visuals that convey complex emotions. While Q impresses with its rich narrative and pleasing aesthetics, I wish the film focused more heavily on the family aesthetic or went full force for the larger picture. I understand why Chehab went this way, though. It's still a stunning family chronicle that resonates with its audience, enabling them to form deeper connections with its relatable characters and their captivating struggles.

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[photo courtesy of MPRM COMMUNICATIONS/CHEHAB FILMS]