The Present

The Present, a powerful drama from Palestine, released in 2020. Directed by Farah Nabulsi, it stars Saleh Bakri in the lead role, joined by Mariam Kanj and Mariam Basha in pivotal roles. The film is an exploration of the harsh realities of life while simultaneously illuminating the strength of human spirit and resilience in the face of adversity. It illustrates real-world complexities with an affecting subtlety that stays with you long after the viewing.

The narrative of The Present orbits around a determined and loving Palestinian father, Yusef, played by Saleh Bakri, and his family. Yusef’s life is ordinary, yet punctuated with extraordinary circumstances. Seeking to celebrate his wedding anniversary, he embarks on a journey to buy a gift for his wife, a journey that should be straightforward but due to the constraints and situation he lives in, it doesn't go as smoothly as planned. The underlying grief and frustration are countered powerfully with humor and human touch, rooting the story in everyday humanity and authenticity.

Saleh Bakri brings exceptional depth to his role as Yusef, showcasing a spectrum of emotions, from hope to despair, from courage to frustration, and from dedication to fear. His performance grounds the movie with exceptional energy and authenticity. Maryam Kanj plays Yusef’s young daughter Yasmine, challenging the depiction of children in cinema with her mature and deeply moving performance. She partners Bakri in their onscreen journey, making their father-daughter dynamic one of the film’s most emotionally gripping aspects.

Additionally, Mariam Basha, playing Yusef’s wife Noor, delivers a heartfelt performance. Although her screen time might be lesser compared to Bakri and Kanj, she manages to emanate a richly layered character with the few scenes given to her, highlighting a prominent and strong female presence in the film. These exceptional performances, coupled with precise writing and direction, make this human drama a compelling watch.

Farah Nabulsi, who shares writing credit with Hind Shoufani, excels both as the director and writer of the film, leaving no stone unturned in presenting a poignant yet brutally honest picture of the life under occupation. In a raw examination of the human condition, the film explores themes such as family, love, resilience, humanity, and daily struggles amidst political tensions without taking the route of clichés and melodramatic exaggeration. It's an intimate observation of an extraordinary journey of an ordinary man, reflecting upon the ways that these personal experiences interact with larger, inescapable socio-political conditions.

The cinematography of The Present is another standout element. The dystopian shots of the checkpoints, the landscapes of West Bank, the characters’ domesticity all contribute to creating the world in which the narrative unfolds. Elements such as the changing light throughout Yusef’s journey subtly highlight the passage of time. The compositions and framing further draw attention to the striking disparities of different aspects of Palestinian life.

More so, the film's dialogue comes across as authentic and effective without being heavy-handed. It allows for an objective portrayal of the narrative, just as it maintains an emotional heft that profoundly affects viewers. The sparse dialogue is outweighed by the film’s focus on visual storytelling, making it universally comprehensible. The viewer does not only understand but also feels Yusef’s struggles, frustrations, resilience, and courage.

In essence, The Present is an invaluable contribution to global cinema. It embeds its complex and sensitive themes within a simple and clear narrative of a day in the life of an ordinary man. It reflects with accuracy, the daily life, and struggles of the people living under occupation, humanizing them beyond the usual stereotypes and political narratives. Farah Nabulsi’s exquisite storytelling skills and the convincing performances of the leads make The Present a truly immersive narrative experience, one which goes beyond mere entertainment to spark thoughtful conversations and reflections among viewers.

In conclusion, The Present is an emotionally resonant and compelling drama that offers a poignant snapshot of daily life and survival in a conflict zone. Its hauntingly realistic depiction of life under occupation orients the viewers’ perspective, encouraging empathy and human connection. No doubt, it’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the art of cinema tackling serious and real-world issues.