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The Blue Caftan is Maryam Touzani’s second feature and tells the story of a man (Halim) and his unwell wife (Mina). Halim is a maalem (tailor) who finely crafts intricate designs onto beautiful caftans and dresses. Halim is also gay, a secret that his wife knows but is barely spoken about. The trouble is – living in Morocco is not a pleasurable experience for any gay person. Halim frequents the local baths to fulfill his desires and takes good care of his wife when at home.
Mina is played by Lubna Azabal (who was so excellent in Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Incendies’), and again here she is outstanding. Her illness starts to get the better of her but she is devoted to her husband despite his sexuality. The chemistry between the two is beautiful. When the latest apprentice arrives to help Halim with his ever increasing workload, things start to get complicated. The Blue Caftan is a thoroughly predictable film, but it’s beauty and believability sweeps that aside as you can just let the story wash over you and take you on its journey.
Virginie Surdej’s cinematography is notable with lots of close ups of embroidery and hands (almost Phantom Thread like in that respect). The film won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes among others.
7.6/10
The Blue Caftan (2023)
Directed by Maryam Touzani
Directed by Maryam Touzani
The Blue Caftan is Maryam Touzani’s second feature and tells the story of a man (Halim) and his unwell wife (Mina). Halim is a maalem (tailor) who finely crafts intricate designs onto beautiful caftans and dresses. Halim is also gay, a secret that his wife knows but is barely spoken about. The trouble is – living in Morocco is not a pleasurable experience for any gay person. Halim frequents the local baths to fulfill his desires and takes good care of his wife when at home.
Mina is played by Lubna Azabal (who was so excellent in Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Incendies’), and again here she is outstanding. Her illness starts to get the better of her but she is devoted to her husband despite his sexuality. The chemistry between the two is beautiful. When the latest apprentice arrives to help Halim with his ever increasing workload, things start to get complicated. The Blue Caftan is a thoroughly predictable film, but it’s beauty and believability sweeps that aside as you can just let the story wash over you and take you on its journey.
Virginie Surdej’s cinematography is notable with lots of close ups of embroidery and hands (almost Phantom Thread like in that respect). The film won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes among others.
7.6/10