Daratt / Dry Season

Daratt / Dry Season is an emotionally gripping drama set against the backdrop of the brutal civil war in Chad. Directed by Mahamat Saleh Haroun, the film unravels the aftermath of war through the eyes of a young boy, using powerful performances by its lead actors, Ali Barkai as the adolescent Atim, Youssouf Djaoro as Nassara, and Aziza Hisseine as Aicha.

The movie starts with the declaration of amnesty following the civil war in Chad, effectively giving a free pass to all war criminals. This seems a desperate government attempt for reconciliation and keeping the peace. However, for the 16-year-old Atim, played by Ali Barkai, this gesture of peace only unlocks the chains of a personal vendetta. Consumed by the need for revenge, Atim sets out with one aim - to find the man who killed his father during the war.

Atim's journey takes him to the city, a world away from his rural home in the desert. His sole clue is the name Nassara, the man deemed responsible for his father's death. The role of Nassara is played with an incredible amount of cadence by Youssouf Djaoro. Nassara, who once was a feared soldier, is now a baker with a quiet life, far removed from his ferocious past.

The narrative of Daratt / Dry Season slowly unfolds as Atim, under the guise of seeking employment, starts working in Nassara's bakery and enters the realm of his enemy’s life. It's an emotionally complicated situation, one where the lines between revenge and affection blur. The machinations of Atim's plan are gradually revealed as he gets closer to Nassara, forging an unlikely relationship.

Aziza Hisseine plays Aicha, the young and mute wife of Nassara, who plays an essential part in the evolving dynamics of this triangle. Her innocent demeanor and unsuspecting presence in the midst of two men cloaked in a silent duel of resentment and respect add an extra layer to the story.

As the plot takes its course, the element of suspense is omnipresent. The viewer is constantly at the edge of their seat, wondering how events will unfold, what choices Atim will make, and the consequences of those choices.

Daratt / Dry Season deftly combines a gripping narrative with a socio-political commentary, shedding light on the aftermath of civil war on Chad's adolescent population and the emotional repercussions of amnesty to war criminals. It takes the audience on a journey, transcending boundaries of revenge and forgiveness, war and peace, and hate and love.

The cinematography of the film captures the stark landscape of Chad, creating an unforgiving backdrop to this human drama, while the thoughtful direction makes every character's experience palpable. There are ample moments of quiet reflection interspersed with tension, building a cinematic experience that is both unsettling and profound.

The actors in the film deliver powerful performances. Ali Barkai as Atim portrays his inner turmoil with an expressive intensity that tugs at the audience's heartstrings. Youssouf Djaoro as Nassara delivers a controlled performance, full of nuanced layers of regret, fear, and acceptance. Aziza Hisseine's portrayal of Aicha is touching, effectively communicating her feelings despite her character's muteness.

In conclusion, Daratt / Dry Season is a formidable film that delves into the effects of war, moral dilemmas, human emotions, and the journey towards peace. It's a testament to director Mahamat Saleh Haroun's narrative style, encompassing a wide range of themes within a single story. Packed with compelling performances, dramatic tension, poignant moments, and an intense storyline, Daratt / Dry Season is definitely a movie that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer's mind.