Where Do We Go Now?

Director: Nadine Labaki

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Layla Hakim, Yvonne Maalouf

Certificate: 15

Reviewer: Luke Walkley

In a small village where Christians and Muslims have lived side by side in harmony for years, national unrest threatens to split its inhabitants. The women of the village unite and hatch a series of plans in order to keep the ill-tempered men from causing a war between the religions.

In as much a testament to its position of opening film at the Wales One World Film Festival, ‘Where Do We Go Now?’ begins with a truly remarkable opening sequence. Vast expanses of arid wasteland, sensual music and a procession of grieving mothers, wives and children dressed entirely in black, making their way to the burial site of their loved ones..

While the unconventional opening is stylish, it only reflects a portion of the films overall tone. Where Do We Go Now?’ Is, in the broadest terms, a comedy with a dark subject as its muse.  Littered with laugh out loud moments, it manages the delicate balance of tragedy and humour with great style. The fact the film manages to include several songs into its storyline further reinforces the strength of the directing and the smooth transition from scene to scene

The direction of Nadine Labaki is sublime, handling the character development despite the limited screen time each character enjoys due to a large ensemble. A genuine feeling of compassion is bestowed on the audience thanks to the intimate relationship and dialogue that take place. The acting is of an unexpectedly high standard for an independent film and, combine this with stunning cinematography and clever editing and you have a really enjoyable, heartfelt film.

It’s truly hard to find fault with the film, the back stories of the main characters could have been further developed to allow the audience to bear witness to some of the trauma suffered by the women in losing their loved ones due to their religious beliefs.

Where Do We Go Now? Is a real gem, it is a rarity to find an independent film that combines comedy, music and drama with such a sensitive topic.

A film that tugs at the heartstrings and tickles the funny bone in equal measure.