Watch Capernaum

Capernaum is an emotional and gut-wrenching drama film released in 2018. Directed and co-written by Nadine Labaki, the film stars professional and amateur actors, most notably Zain Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shiferaw, and Boluwatife Treasure Bankole. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Jury Prize, and was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

The film's main character is a 12-year-old boy named Zain, played by Al Rafeea, who lives in poverty with his family in Beirut, Lebanon. Despite his young age, Zain is already weary of life and has trouble coping with the constant chaos and neglect he experiences at home. His parents are neglectful and abusive, with his father's decision to marry off his 11-year-old sister being the final straw for Zain. The boy runs away from home and finds himself living on the streets, where he befriends a young Ethiopian woman named Rahil (played by Shiferaw) who is also living illegally in Lebanon.

Capernaum is a story of survival and hope amidst extreme poverty, exploitation, and injustice. It delves deep into themes of family, responsibility, resilience, poverty, and the fragility of childhood. The film is both heartbreaking and uplifting, with a raw and realistic portrayal of life on the streets and the struggles endured by children who are forced to grow up too quickly.

Zain's journey in the film is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Despite the immense challenges he faces, he never gives up hope or his fierce sense of justice. Zain's character is brought to life by Al Rafeea's stunning performance, which is all the more impressive considering this was his first time acting. The young boy's real-life story is similar to that of his character in the film, having fled from Syria to Lebanon with his family in search of a better life.

Despite the film's heavy themes and dark subject matter, there are also moments of joy and tenderness. Rahil's relationship with Zain is one such example, providing a glimpse of hope and light amidst the stark reality of their situation. The film also explores the plight of migrant workers in Lebanon, another group often overlooked and exploited in the country.

One of the most striking aspects of Capernaum is its use of handheld camera work, giving the film a raw and immediate feel. The camera often stays close to the characters, putting the audience right in the middle of the action and making it feel like we're experiencing it alongside them. This technique makes the film's emotional impact all the more visceral, and amplifies the moments of tenderness and despair alike.

Capernaum is a powerful film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. Its exploration of the darker aspects of society and the resilience of the human spirit make for a poignant and affecting watching experience. The film is not an easy watch, but it's one that is worth it for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by those living in extreme poverty.

Capernaum is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4 and a MetaScore of 75.