There’s an unexpected flourish of magical realism in this story of life under siege in Syria. Fourteen-year-old Zeina (Hala Zein) lives with her mother and father in Damascus; at the dogged insistence of her father, Mutaz (Samer Al Masri), who refuses to flee his home, they are one of the few remaining families in a devastated neighbourhood. Covert visits from a local boy offer Zeina glimpses of freedom outside the oppressive control of her father. But her escape comes as much through her imagination as it does through her connection with Amer (Nizar Alani).
Shot by Burak Kanbir and acclaimed cinematographer Hélène Louvart (Rocks), Nezouh finds visual poetry in the dust and wreckage of the city. However, the screenplay and performances feel rather too mannered and theatrical for the film to come alive fully.
In UK and Irish cinemas now
