Saloum

Saloum is an intriguing and gripping movie that fuses numerous elements of different movie genres such as action, drama, crime, and supernatural horror. It was first premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2021. The film features a star-studded lineup of talented Afro-French actors like Yann Gael, Evelyne Ily Juhen, Roger Sallah and many more. Expertly directed by Jean Luc Herbulot, Saloum skillfully combines the elements of thriller, war and crimes with supernatural mythology and hard hitting drama. The mesmerizing cinematography and captivating screenplay further adds to the charm of the story.

The storyline is set in the backdrop of 2003 Senegal, during the height of the civil war. The title of the film, Saloum, is derived from the name of a delta in the southwest of Senegal - a significant sanctuary for birds and endangered species, which symbolizes the refugium of the main characters.

The film's plot revolves around three mid-level gangsters known as The Bangui’s Hyenas. They are Chaka (Yann Gael), Minuit (Roger Sallah), and Rafa (Timothy Trawick). These men aren't your average criminals though; they have complex backstories that are slowly revealed as the movie progresses. After successfully conducting a high-stakes heist, they found themselves needing to lay low and escape from their pursuers. With their loot, they fled and chose Saloum Delta as their hiding place.

Arriving at a small remote camp owned by a man called Champignac (Newton Itoya), they posed as ecotourists. Here, they also met a mysterious woman named Elaba (Evelyne Ily Juhen) who worked as a housekeeper. They soon find themselves immersed in the natural world, and as the tranquillity of the locale washes over them, they're allowed a moment's respite from their turbulent existences.

However, their peace was short lived. The beautiful Saloum Delta holds a deeper, darker secret, which the gangsters soon discovered. The movie then transitions from what seems to be a gangster flick to a supernatural drama when they come face-to-face with forces way beyond their ken. This twist injects a unique element of terror into the narrative, while still maintaining a poignant drama.

Saloum does a commendable job in portraying the political turmoil in Central Africa. While providing a thoroughly thrilling cinematic ride, it does not fail to remind the viewers about the severe real-life implications of exploitation, war, and poverty, and the need for its resolution.

The performances of the central characters are commendable. From displaying their tough, resilient exterior as gangsters to their inner turmoil and fears against the supernatural, the cast delivered a compelling performance that made the characters resonate with the audience.

Yann Gael as Chaka is awe-inspiring with his raw power and lethal charm, while Roger Sallah as Minuit and Timothy Trawick as Rafa create striking impressions with their skillful performances. Evelyne Ily Juhen as Elaba delivers a mysterious and complex character, with her performance inducing intrigue and suspense.

Saloum also impresses with its impeccable technical departments. The film is visually stunning, with sequences set in the picturesque locale of Senegal which are treat for the eyes. The camera work and lighting effects create a menacing and thrilling atmosphere that keeps the viewers hooked to the screen. The editing is crisp, engaging and the narrative pace never slows down.

The music score integrates perfectly with the storyline, enhancing its effect on the viewers. The sound design is meticulously crafted to foster an eerie, suspenseful vibe throughout the film.

At its core, Saloum is more than a conventional thriller or a supernatural horror movie. It's an examination of the human spirit under extreme circumstances - a tale of survival, redemption and confronting the past. It marries intense action sequences with brooding moments of introspection while interspersing elements of the supernatural.

The result is an optimum blend of entertainment and meaningful cinema that explores the landscape of African mysticism amidst political turmoil. The viewers are not only treated with steadfast thrills, but also with thought-provoking themes that reverberate long after the credits roll.

Both a visual spectacle and a narrative masterpiece, Saloum is a unique film that contributes significantly to the world of international cinema. It's a striking piece of storytelling that leaves the audience contemplating. It's a confluence of action, drama, crime, and magic realism that promises to be a stunning experience for lovers of cinema who appreciate a mix of genres.

Despite its dark undertones and explorations into the supernatural, Saloum is ultimately a film about survival and resilience against the odds. It's about how even in the deepest trenches of despair and fear, the human spirit finds a way to fight back. In essence, it's a story that showcases the power of human spirit, love and redemption.