Breaking Fast

Breaking Fast is a refreshing take on love and understanding, set against the backdrop of the traditionally conservative cultural norms of West Hollywood's LGBTQ+ and Muslim communities. It is a romantic drama-comedy directed by Mike Mosallam that hit the screens in 2020. The film boasts a talented cast that includes Haaz Sleiman, Michael Cassidy, and Amin El Gamal. The film creates a balance between a classic society clashing love story and a tale of personal freedom and acceptance.

Breaking Fast primarily focuses on Mo, an openly gay Muslim doctor living in West Hollywood, played by the Lebanese born actor Haaz Sleiman. Sleiman, who himself is openly gay and of Muslim descent, adds a personal touch to the character, depicting a man who is struggling with his cultural heritage and his homosexuality. Mo is also observing the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, introspection, and prayer in Islam which adds another layer to his complexity as a character.

Mo's life is packed with co-workers, Western friends, his family, and his Muslim prayer group, all of whom show a distinct range of responses towards his sexuality and faith. However, the sudden end of his long-term relationship poses a significant challenge in his life. Fortunately, his best friend Sam, portrayed by Amin El Gamal, supports him through his heartbreak, striking an interesting balance as a comedic yet empathetic character, blurring the lines between friendship and surrogate family.

The central part of the narrative focuses on the unexpected romantic spark that develops between Mo and Kal, an All-American guy, played by Michael Cassidy. Kal, who is also attempting to navigate through his complicated personal life, meets Mo at a friend's party, sparking an immediate connection between the two. Their relationship blossoms slowly, beginning with nightly iftars (the meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan) that delve into deep, personal conversations.

Breaking Fast does a magnificent job of portraying a diverse range of experiences within the Muslim community, creating nuanced characters that not only challenge but also break free from the usual stereotypes associated with Muslim and gay characters in Hollywood. Furthermore, it does not shy away from showing the issues that these characters face in their everyday lives. Yet, it does so without overdramatizing their struggles, focusing instead on simple human emotions and the universal need for acceptance, understanding, and love.

An outstanding aspect of the film is its ability to intertwine cultural, religious, and sexual identities seamlessly, enabling viewers to understand and empathize with the characters. The director, Mike Mosallam, himself a gay Muslim man, does a fantastic job in this regard. He brings authenticity and restraint to what could easily have been an over-the-top narrative. The film thoughtfully allows a deep look into Mo's life and his navigation through the intersections of religion, sexuality, culture, and love.

Breaking Fast can also boast of a richly textured visual palette, with stunning cinematography that brings a warm, golden hue over the film, creating visually engaging story-telling frames. The soundtrack, peppered with Arabic music, provides a delightful cultural touch, setting the mood for the scenes perfectly.

Performances are another strength of the film. Sleiman brilliantly portrays Mo with a subdued, powerful performance that captures the viewer's attention. Cassidy also shines as Kal, creating a character with a richness and depth that is compelling. Supporting performances from El Gamal, along with the rest of the cast, help create a three-dimensional world full of relatable characters.

In conclusion, Breaking Fast is a blend of romance, humor and serious themes that provides a refreshing exploration of the intersection of conservative religious beliefs and modern Western norms against the backdrop of a gay relationship. Despite dealing with heavy topics of religion and sexual orientation, Breaking Fast maintains a light-hearted narrative, making it easily accessible to a wide range of audiences. The film is a milestone in LGBTQ+ cinema for its portrayal of a gay Muslim protagonist. From a warm, intimate storytelling perspective to an authentic depiction of experiences, Breaking Fast is a must-watch film that makes a significant cultural impact.