Review: Theeb

"Sing!" the men cry, sitting around the campfire. Though the Englishman refuses, the same cannot be said for director Naji Abu Nowar's Bedouin western, THEEB, as a whole -- its song is poignant and compelling; its story will touch your heart.

Theeb (Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat) is your typical young boy: curious, shrewd, and idolizing the closest father figure -- who happens to be his older brother, Hussein (Hussein Salameh Al-Sweilhiyeen). The two live in a culture culture that has a very puzzling feature: it is hospitable, yet always on its guard. This tension is exemplified when, one night, Hussein hears someone just out of sight of the tribe's campfire, and the entire camp goes silent as he goes to investigate -- only to return with two others, simply saying, "We have guests," and fetching the fatted goat.

One of their guests is an English soldier, Edward (Jack Fox), who requires a guide to take him to the next watering hole so he can find his way back to his regiment. Hussein is the man for the job, and Theeb, as much as he wants to, is not allowed to go. But Theeb, curious about a box that the Englishman carries which is rumored to contain gold, follows them out to the middle of the desert the next morning; because Edward wants to push forward, they begrudgingly take Theeb along with them on their journey. But the desert is full of raiders, and Theeb's new traveling party is the perfect target; what follows is a grave story, shocking in its juxtaposed distrust and mutual understanding.

It is fascinating look at Jordanian culture, inhabited by genuine characters. Hwietat will win the heart of any audience with his quiet persistence. It is a fascinating coming-of-age story for a young boy shrouded in danger. Now playing at the Midtown Cinema!