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Deserts

Name: Deserts
Director: Faouzi Bensaïdi
Released: 2023
Duration: 124 min

Representation Score

3.9/10

Limited

2023

Director

Faouzi Bensaïdi

Runtime

124 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Deserts provides a fresh perspective by grounding its story in the authentic textures of southern Morocco. The film succeeds in offering a non-Western viewpoint where characters have significant influence within their cultural context. However, the film's impact is limited by its traditional, male-dominated structure. The absence of female characters and queer representation narrows its social scope. Overall, the film is a study of atmospheric tension and regional specificity. It prioritizes psychological depth and local realism over broader social issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does Deserts have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film highlights the strong bond between two male protagonists but does not depict any queer identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth relationships.

How does Deserts portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on male experiences, with female characters playing minimal roles. The narrative emphasizes the male characters' labor and isolation in the desert.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Deserts?

Excellent

The film successfully centers a Moroccan cast and setting, avoiding the typical Western perspective. It presents the landscape with psychological realism instead of exoticism.

How does Deserts represent religion and culture?

Good

The movie explores the challenges faced by low-wage workers dealing with tough economic conditions. It uses moral ambiguity to examine situational ethics within a specific cultural context.

Does Deserts include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities. The story focuses on the physical survival and psychological tension experienced by able-bodied characters.

Present on Screen

Provides a high degree of regional authenticity through its Moroccan cast and setting.
Avoids common Western clichés of exoticism by using psychological realism.
Offers a necessary non-Western perspective that challenges the global cinematic gaze.

Limited or Absent

Lacks gender diversity, with female characters having minimal roles.
Does not include any explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
The narrative structure remains heavily centered on a traditional male-only ensemble.

Official Synopsis

Longtime friends, Mehdi and Hamid, work for a collection agency. They crisscross the villages of southern Morocco in their old car and share double rooms in shabby hotels. They are exactly the same size, and wear the same suits and ties, as well as the same shoes. Paid nearly nothing, they try to play hard to make good figures. One day, in a gas station planted in the middle of the desert, a motorcycle parks in front of them. A man is handcuffed to the luggage rack, threatening. It’s the Evader. Their meeting marks the beginning of an unforeseen and mystical journey.

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