★ 9 / 10
While I may be from Germany and don't
timewatchesaway
While I may be from Germany and don't have their same family situations, I could relate to Alyssa a lot. Dreaming of a better world, using imagination to get…
While I may be from Germany and don't have their same family situations, I could relate to Alyssa a lot. Dreaming of a better world, using imagination to get through reality, being spontanous, and trying to do the best in life, which however needs to also be lots of fun. She probably impersonated Gen Z quite well.
The ending surprised me, as it is not the typical comedy roadtrip movie ending, reminding that one of the genres is also drama. It's not bad. Just … very realistic and bittersweet. Although hopeful, too.
I wouldn't mind a sequel.
Watched the original version with german subtitles in the theatre.
Really loved the soundtrack too, introduced me to some dope arabian songs!
-30.04.26
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★ 7 / 10
Loved Eya and Slim's performances. A beautiful little film. [+73%]
This is a film likely to fly under everyone's radar, but if you get a chance to see it, don't miss. It's both relatable and deeply explorative, at times rooted…
This is a film likely to fly under everyone's radar, but if you get a chance to see it, don't miss. It's both relatable and deeply explorative, at times rooted to its specific landscape, and at times, universal. I'm a (day)dreamer who imagines pigheads and wings on people, so I was instantly hooked by the protagonist Alyssa's whimsical traits -- Eya Bellagha is absolutely wonderful here, and so is Slim Baccar as Mehdi. I also liked how they displayed a strong (and protective) sibling bond throughout (as longtime friends, i.e.) sans sexual tension, even when there were plenty of circumstances for it. That itself is so energising to see, in a generation that's marred by also sorts of "whatever-ships."I love how art is incorporated into the film, both as a means to express and understand the leads' psyches. They aren't very complicated people per se -- they keep making mistakes like stealing a car from a local thug and goodies from a convenience store -- yet these are people I'd love to sit down with (as a third person) at the beach and talk in length to, and take lots of candid pictures of. Writer-director Amel Guellaty makes exemplary use of desert and beach terrain; she uses the art competition as a means to an end, but focuses on the journey of "getting there." Frida Marzouk's cinematography captures rustic Arab scenery in full glory, making this road trip filled with memorable moments (happy, funny, stressful, sad, and introspective).Oh, the review would be incomplete without a mention of the ABSOLUTELY STELLAR soundtrack, which truly swept me away. I found the entire list of songs (thanks Reddit!), and they're gonna be on my forever favourites list. The story does take turns rather quickly, especially given its 95-minute runtime, and the CG work is not the best, but that did not deter my viewing experience at any point. Life is full of imperfections, distressing incidents, and weird people.. so, it's okay. I actually wouldn't mind a (few years later) sequel to this from the same writer-director, as I was invested in this duo's antics all the way.
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★ 7 / 10
A modest and carefully constructed road trip in modern Tunisia
Alyssa is a student in Tunis, has as many family responsibilities and also dreams of escaping to Europe. Mehdi Is her slightly older neighbour and is a…
Alyssa is a student in Tunis, has as many family responsibilities and also dreams of escaping to Europe. Mehdi Is her slightly older neighbour and is a talented painter. He is looking for a job as art is not paying the bills.Alyssa enrolls Mehdi in an art competition in Djerba, without consultation and without his knowledge. The prize is a trip to Germany. Although Europe is more her dream than his, Mehdi goes along with her demanding enthusiasm. What starts is a combo of road movie and a gripping coming-of-age story.He is the dreamer with artistic talents, she is the hustler with a defiant drive to succeed.Will their ambitious plan succeed? No matter. Where the Wind Comes From is a beautiful portrait of modern Tunisia.
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Ignore him. Everyone should learn languages and especially the most beautiful of them all, Arabic.