Gay Essential Films To Watch, Out In The Dark (עלטה)
Dealing with themes of homophobia and racism, Out in the Dark blends political and social commentary with a romantic story. Nimr (Nicholas Jacob) is an ambitious Palestinian student on an educational permit in the West Bank, who dreams of a better life, possibly living abroad. One night in Tel Aviv, his world changes forever when he meets Roy (Michael Aloni), a well to do Israeli lawyer in a gay bar in Tel Aviv, and the two begin a relationship and fall in love. As the relationship progresses, they find difficulties with Palestinian society refusing to accept Nimr because of his sexuality and the Israeli society refusing to accept him on account of his nationality.
Their troubles begin when Israeli security services start investigating Namir’s militant brother Nabil (Jamil Khoury) and then Nimr’s closest friendMustafa (Loai Noufi)is caught hiding illegally in Tel Aviv and sent back to the West Bank where he is violently murdered, for the crimes of illegally hiding and prostituting himself. Nimr now must choose between the life he has dreamed of and his love for Roy.
Critics
“It’s unique, powerful stuff.”
— Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times
“In Mayer’s assured hands, a drama that could easily have become schematic instead pulses with urgency, longing and raw feeling, morphing smoothly in its final third into a lean thriller.”
— David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
“The suspenseful love story Out in the Dark isn’t a political film by any stretch, but the intrigue and prejudices of the Arab-Israeli conflict certainly fuel the romance and thrills of this entertaining, taut movie.”
— David Lewis, San Francisco Chronicle
Did You Know?
The script for Out in the Dark is partly inspired by stories told from a friend of director Michael Mayer who was volunteering at the gay and lesbian centre in Tel Aviv. The centre offers support to gay Palestinians who are hiding in Israel. Review our Gay Themed Films Here
Read our Essential Opinion on Out In The Dark
Alexander Ryll
@gayessential
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