Ave Maria

Ave Maria is an intriguing short film released in 2015 that amalgamates drama and comedy in a manner rarely seen before. Spanning a brief but intense 15-minutes, the film beautifully encapsulates human awkwardness, religious dilemmas, and cultural clashes. Directed by Basil Khalil, this movie features actress Maria Zreik, Huda Al Imam, and actor Shady Srour in lead roles. The depth of their performances contributes heavily to the narrative, pulling viewers into the perplexing world of an isolated monastery, even within its short period of run time.

The storyline of the film is set in the West Bank, around an enclave of nuns called 'Sisters of Mercy,' whose monastery follows strict and somewhat eccentric vow silence. Maria Zreik brilliantly portrays the role of a young nun, emblematic of innocence and religious commitment, while Huda Al Imam plays the role of the eldest nun, an example of stern belief and discipline. Shady Srour’s skilful acting displays his character caught in a clash of religions, traditions, and obligations. The convent begins its journey into chaos when an Israeli settler family's car crashes into the convent’s statue of the Virgin Mary in a queer twist of fate.

The ancient vow of silence, upheld by the nuns, catering to no machinery or electricity, majorly compounds their predicament to assist the family in distress. An Arabic-family caught in a no man's land, unable to interact and restart their car but desperate to get home before Sabbath, adds to the layers of complexity added by the director.

This film is notable for its unique approach to tackle religious bias, cultural differences, and tradition adherence within the humorous premise. The complete dissatisfaction imprinted on the faces of the nuns on being disrupted drastically, the Israeli family's exasperation, and the absurdly amusing instances of trying to communicate without verbally breaking their vows showcase Khalil’s mastery over storytelling and comedy.

Beautifully filmed, the cinematography of Ave Maria by Eric Mizrahi stands out. It provides depth to the story as he flawlessly captures the ethereal location of the West Bank and the interior of the convent giving it an almost atmospheric presence that heightens the overall viewing experience. The careful balance of scenery and closed spaces, coupled with the primarily non-verbal film, creates a unique visual narrative that indeed holds the viewer's attention.

The director Basil Khalil brings out the underlying absurdities of strict religious observations and cultural conventions in a light-hearted manner with ingenious wit and subtlety. The theme of religious polarization is portrayed herein, but not as a political statement; instead, it is presented in a humorous undertone via a myriad of human subtly inserted absurdities. It is not a fight of one religion against the other; instead, Khalil skillfully and opulently delves into the microaggressions between the two.

The film wittingly asks viewers to reflect upon pre-established norms and belief systems without creating a serious or sombre atmosphere. The humour is never slapstick; instead, it arises from the character's unique situations and engenders a sort of empathetic amusement.

The characters are well fleshed out, adding drama to the story. Zreik, Al Imam and Srour's acting prowess offers substantial depth to the narrative, allowing viewers to understand and identify the individual character's conflicts. The silent acting, driven by facial expressions and gestures, increases the appeal of the film significantly.

Apart from humorously highlighting the rigidities and quirks of different beliefs and cultures, Ave Maria gravitates towards the essence of humanity being the superior religion. It depicts how, in situations of distress, irrespective of the rules set by religion, people eventually come together to resolve problems and support each other.

On a whole, Ave Maria is a gem of a film that despite its brevity delivers a persuasive commentary on religious rigidity, cultural misunderstandings, and the essence of humanity under a layer of situational comedy. Its nuanced storytelling, commendable performances, and simplistic approach make it a must-watch for enthusiasts who appreciate short films with a compelling narrative.