Watch Out in the Dark

Out in the Dark is a romantic drama movie released in 2012. The film is directed by Michael Mayer, and the cast includes Nicholas Jacob, Michael Aloni, and Jameel Khoury. The movie is set in the complicated political landscape of the Middle East, where love is not only forbidden, but it can also be deadly. Nimr, a young Palestinian psychology student, leads a double life. During the day, he studies hard for his degree, and at night, he secretly slips into Tel Aviv, Israel's vibrant gay scene to find love and freedom. While in Tel Aviv, Nimr meets Roy, a young lawyer who works for an Israeli human rights organization. Roy is fascinated by Nimr and his background, and they soon become romantically involved.

Even though Nimr and Roy are not supposed to be together, they defy all odds and embark on a passionate relationship. However, things soon get complicated when Nimr's Palestinian friends and family discover his secret. Nimr is forced to choose between the love of his life and the loyalty to his culture and identity, leading to heartbreaking decisions.

Out in the Dark addresses deeply political issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the complexities of being gay in the Arab world, and the cultural and religious barriers to queer love. Throughout the movie, the audience sees beauty in unlikely places, such as the bustling nightlife in Tel Aviv, and the connection and affection between Nimr and Roy. However, Out in the Dark also explores the cruel realities and dangers of living out one's true identity under oppressive regimes.

The acting in Out in the Dark is engaging, and the film's pacing is excellent. Nicholas Jacob delivers a subtle and nuanced performance as Nimr, conveying the character's inner turmoil and conflicts perfectly. Michael Aloni's portrayal of Roy is equally convincing, as he embodies the character's idealism and heartbreak. Jameel Khoury, who plays Nimr's older brother Nabil, provides another dimension to the story with his character's gritty and destitute reality.

Michael Mayer's direction and the cinematography by Ran Aviad add to the overall impression of the film's beauty and sadness. The use of different color schemes to represent Tel Aviv and Ramallah, for example, heightens the contrast between the two settings and underscores the differences between the two communities.

While the film's subject matter is undeniably weighty, Out in the Dark never feels like a lecture. The love story at the heart of the movie is beautifully drawn, and the political context adds to the tension and depth of the narrative. Additionally, the movie benefits from an excellent soundtrack, including songs by Ofra Haza and Sabava.

In conclusion, Out in the Dark is a movie that delivers more than it promises. It is a bittersweet and passionate love story, set against a backdrop of difficult and challenging times. The movie is both thrilling and heartwarming, and it provides an unflinching look at the complexities of life, identity, and love in the Middle East. Out in the Dark is a must-watch for those who appreciate great storytelling and breathtaking cinematography.

Out in the Dark is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 69.