Families are complicated no matter where you go. Each family member has a different personality and set of opinions. Sometimes these things can bring people together, and sometimes they can tear them apart. Fatima AlBanawi's “Basma,” the new South Arabian drama film on Netflix, explores similar complications in the family of a young Saudi woman: Basma. Years ago, she moved to the United States to pursue higher education. The pandemic kept her away from Jeddah for a year, but upon her return, she found her family life transformed in unexpected ways.
A couple of months ago, Basma's mother divorced her father. She did not inform Basma because she was worried that it would affect her concentration on her life abroad. Anyway, the reason for the divorce was not just a recent argument. Basma discovers that her mother had held onto harder truths for years. Her father has had some mental health problems. However, she refused to take his medication, making it difficult for other people to live with him. Ultimately, this led to divorce.
Director: Fatima AlBanawi
Writer: Fatima AlBanawi
Stars: Fatima AlBanawi, Eissa Hafiz
Basma finds it difficult to digest this since she has never seen this side of her family. She considered him as normal as the ideal versions she had encountered. Since her return from the United States, she had not seen her father in person. Then, once she gets the chance, she goes to meet him against the wishes of her mother and her brother. Basma remembers her father's loving side despite knowing his stubbornness, which results in occasional tantrums. Basma understands that her 'baba' will defend her medical knowledge and his position against all those with whom she disagrees. So, she doesn't mind spending time with him or her inflexible nature.
Little by little, Basma develops her loving bond with her father as she learns what others have to say about him. During this time, she visits people from her past and also sees her former self through their eyes. She realizes how she has changed over the years abroad and during the time since her return. Basma becomes attached to her father to the point of defending him from others. He reflects his concern for his elderly father, filled with pity for his apparent loneliness.
Throughout the film, Fatima AlBanawi carefully builds multiple sides of Basma's character so that her growth feels organic and completely believable. Before leaving the United States, Basma cut her hair and shared it to donate to those in need. Furthermore, in his profession he strives to find sustainable solutions for collective and not merely personal benefit. He also puts his father first, even if some of his demands seem impulsive or irrational. He reflects the selfless and altruistic nature of him. However, that doesn't stop Basma from wanting things that any other young man wants.
Apart from Basma, the character of his father is also written with the necessary sensitivity and provides insight into his psyche. His condition does not define him; he only expresses one side of his complicated personality. He is sometimes calm, patient, understanding and full of wisdom. Otherwise, you will notice the reflection of unpleasant traits. While he ties all these knots, AlBanawi's script never becomes a two-sided drama. He understands that people are not just the versions we are shown or the ones we choose to see. AlBanawi and Yasir AlSasi's thoughtful performances help reflect different sides of Basma's and Baba's personalities.
However, “Basma” suffers from a couple of problems. Sometimes he leans more than necessary on the sentimentality of a moment and hits a false note. Additionally, the script attempts to connect Basma's personal life lessons with his professional efforts in environmental management. This connection feels very fitting even though AlBanawi's intention seems serious. The film could have easily done without equally cheesy occasions and with a slightly shorter running time. Still, even if there is nothing novel or innovative about his story, “Basma” manages to strike a chord.
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