Watch Let It Be Morning

Let It Be Morning is a poignant drama film directed by Eran Kolirin, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021. The film is an adaptation of a novel by the same name authored by Sayed Kashua, an Arab-Israeli writer who has become prominent for his works exploring the complexities of identity and coexistence between Jews and Arabs in Israel.

The film weaves a narrative that is deeply personal and yet universally resonant, focusing on the character of Sami (played by Alex Bakri), a Palestinian-born Israeli who has attained success as an economist in Jerusalem. Sami's settled life is disrupted when he decides to attend his brother's wedding in his home village among the Arab community. Accompanied by his wife, Mina (portrayed by Juna Suleiman), and their young son, Sami revisits the roots he has long tried to outgrow, only to find himself trapped when the village is inexplicably put under a military lockdown by Israeli forces.

As days pass and the blockade intensifies without explanation or end, what begins as a slight inconvenience gradually morphs into a crisis, striking at the heart of Sami's identity and the collective psyche of the villagers. Throughout the film, we see Sami being pushed to the brink as he grapples with the maddening inertia and mounting pressures of the blockade. His struggles are not just against the external constraints that confine the villagers but also against the internal conflicts stirred by his return.

Sami's relationships with Mina and those around him become highly strained, and he desperately seeks answers and a way out of the situation. Mina's character is also pivotal as she reacts to the imposed isolation, serving as a reflection of Sami's own turmoil and the larger issues at play. The viewers follow Mina's journey as she navigates her role as a wife, mother, and woman caught in the midst of an escalating scenario.

Salim Daw plays the role of a local community leader who becomes a counterpoint to Sami's cosmopolitan disaffection. His character personifies the complex dynamics within the village, where lines of loyalty, tradition, and progress are constantly blurred. Sami's interactions with him and other villagers reveal the tensions and camaraderie arising from shared history and diverging paths.

Let It Be Morning is not just a film about a personal predicament; it transcends into a commentary on broader social and political themes. The setting—a village encircled and immobilized—serves as an allegory for the Palestinian experience of occupation and the larger Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It urges the viewers to reflect on themes of identity, belonging, and the yearning for freedom—all within the framework of those living as a minority within the state of Israel.

One of the film's triumphs is its nuanced interpretation of life in a complex and divided land. It deftly mixes humor with despair, intimacy with estrangement, and presents characters that are flawed and multifaceted, allowing the audience to experience the varying shades of emotion and conflict experienced by individuals caught between worlds and loyalties.

The cinematography of Let It Be Morning is noteworthy, capturing the beauty and desolation of the Israeli countryside, while the subtle yet powerful storytelling is complemented by the nuanced performances of its cast. Alex Bakri delivers a compelling performance as the protagonist, embodying the dichotomy of assimilation and allegiance, conveying a profound sense of frustration and vulnerability. Juna Suleiman gives depth to Mina, rendering a portrait of a woman who is resilient yet reflective of the stifling circumstances.

One of the film's central questions is what it means to be home and what it means to belong. As the narrative unfolds, Sami's internal journey echoes the political realities faced by many Arab-Israelis—a hybrid identity fueling a silent, sometimes suffocating, struggle for acceptance in a land that constantly reminds them of their otherness.

The film's title, Let It Be Morning, suggests a yearning for a new dawn, a poignant metaphor for the characters' desire for resolution and forward movement, both in their personal lives and in the wider societal context within which they live.

Ultimately, Let It Be Morning is a film that captivates with its quiet intensity and rich storytelling. It's a movie that invites introspection and empathy, offering a window into a world where the personal is political, and the political profoundly personal. Eran Kolirin, through this cinematic gem, presents a story filled with conflicted emotions and an unspoken promise of hopeful resilience that resonates with audiences far beyond its immediate setting.

Let It Be Morning is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 77.