The story of Fatima is one that has appeared many times on the big screen. The struggles of accepting one’s sexuality, whether due to internal doubts or societal misconceptions, are familiar territory, and the film’s structure follows a similarly well-worn path.

One societal pressure that feels clearly underdeveloped is the influence of religion and its clash with the protagonist’s homosexuality. The topic appears rushed and is incorporated into the narrative through a single scene that feels more like a compromise than a genuine exploration of the conflict.

That said, this familiar context does not significantly hinder our engagement with Fatima’s journey, thanks to dialogue that feels natural and convincingly delivered. At the same time, however, the constantly shifting cast of characters around her makes this dialogue less impactful than it could be, as we are never given the opportunity to truly connect with or grow attached to any of her close relationships.

This limitation is counteracted by the excellent performances across the board, not only from Nadia Melliti in the lead role, but also from Amina Ben Mohamed as her mother and Pascal Chanez as Dr Prévost, who, despite limited screen time, make a lasting impression and often steal the show with their presence.