Watch Daratt / Dry Season

Set in a post-civil war Chad, Daratt (meaning ‘Dry Season’ in the local language) is a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores themes of cyclical violence, redemption and inheritance. Directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, the movie premiered at the 2006 Venice Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Prize.

The story follows a 16-year-old boy named Atim (Ali Barkai), who is sent by his grandfather to seek revenge on Nassara (Youssouf Djaoro), a man who killed Atim's father 30 years ago during the civil war. Atim, who was born after his father’s death, embodies the cycle of violence that the country is still struggling to overcome. He is tasked with killing Nassara with a gun given to him by his grandfather.

However, upon finding Nassara, Atim becomes his apprentice at his home-repair shop, where he learns the value of hard work and the importance of forgiveness. As the two men work together, Atim learns the truth about his father's death and eventually comes to realize that revenge is not the answer to his pain.

Nassara, on the other hand, is an old man who has been waiting for someone to kill him because of his past actions. When Atim arrives, he welcomes him with open arms and teaches him how to fix things. As the two work together, Nassara slowly reveals his past and the truth behind Atim's father's death.

The movie is not only a reflection of the aftermath of war but also a meditation on the idea of inheritance. Atim comes from a family that has a history of violence and revenge, and he is tasked with continuing this legacy. His grandfather believes that the only way to honor his father's death is to kill his murderer, but as Atim begins to understand the person he is supposed to kill, he starts to question his grandfather’s motives and his own violent tendencies.

Daratt is also a visually stunning film that makes use of Chad’s natural landscapes to create a sense of vastness and emptiness. The cinematography is minimalistic but effective, and the use of silence and stillness in some of the scenes is powerful.

The movie's score is composed by Wasis Diop and features traditional African music that adds to the atmosphere of the film. The sound design is also noteworthy, especially the use of sounds from the natural environment to create a feeling of immersion.

Overall, Daratt is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores the impact of violence and the importance of forgiveness. The performances by Ali Barkai and Youssouf Djaoro are exceptional, and Haroun’s direction is subtle but effective. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in African cinema or films that explore complex themes in a unique way.

Daratt / Dry Season is a 2010 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 78.