Mahamat-Saleh Haroun's film, 'Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars,' presents a blend of mystical allegory and social commentary set against the captivating backdrop of the Ennedi desert. The narrative centers on Kellou, a young woman burdened by visions, and her profound connection with Aya, an older outcast. While the film initially enthralls with its magical realism and poetic sequences, it gradually loses its narrative drive, veering into more symbolic territory that sacrifices entertainment for earnestness. The pacing becomes sluggish as the story progresses, focusing on repetitive themes rather than advancing a compelling plot, leading to a somewhat wearisome viewing experience despite its well-intentioned messages.
The film's initial strength lies in its ability to transport the audience into a world where the mystical intertwines with daily life, drawing on the rich cultural fabric of Chad. However, this enchanting quality diminishes as the director shifts towards a more didactic approach, using characters like Kellou and Gabra as conduits for broader societal metaphors. This transition, while aiming to convey deeper meanings about freedom and tradition, inadvertently detracts from the film's initial promise of a magical journey, resulting in a narrative that struggles to maintain engagement and coherence.
A Mystical Start in the Desert
Mahamat-Saleh Haroun's latest cinematic offering, 'Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars,' opens in the stunning Ennedi desert of Chad, immediately captivating with its ethereal atmosphere. The story introduces Kellou, a young woman blessed, or perhaps cursed, with visions of both the past and the future. Her unique ability sets the stage for a narrative steeped in magical realism, presenting characters with extraordinary gifts and ancient tales that transcend the ordinary. This initial phase of the film is marked by moments of profound beauty and lyrical quality, as it explores the mystical elements deeply embedded in the culture and landscape. Kellou's journey, initially, is one of self-discovery and fear as she grapples with her unsettling powers, making her an intriguing protagonist from the outset.
The film skillfully uses the stark beauty of the Ennedi desert to enhance its mystical themes, drawing viewers into a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural are fluid. Kellou's early struggles with her visions and her identity as an outcast, referred to as a "blood girl," create a compelling emotional core. Her relationship with her estranged father, Gabra, further highlights her isolation within the community. The narrative's initial exploration of these elements, combined with its poetic imagery, sets a promising tone for a story that seeks to delve into the depths of human experience and the unseen forces at play in the world. The blend of everyday life with the fantastical elements forms a unique tapestry, promising a truly engaging cinematic experience.
Narrative Drift and Thematic Struggles
Despite its enchanting beginning, 'Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars' encounters significant narrative challenges, particularly in its latter half. The film struggles to maintain its initial narrative momentum, gradually shifting away from its captivating magical realism towards a more overt and less engaging exploration of social metaphors. Characters like Gabra come to represent broader themes such as immigration, while Kellou's quest for personal liberation becomes a direct commentary on patriarchal societal structures. This transition, though well-intentioned in its thematic exploration, often feels forced and diminishes the subtle allure of the film's earlier mystical elements, making the storytelling feel overly earnest and less spontaneous.
As the story progresses, the dynamic and intriguing relationship between Kellou and Aya, her mentor and fellow outcast, begins to stagnate. While their bond initially provides a strong emotional anchor, the ensuing ostracization by the villagers and Baba's withdrawal leads to repetitive scenarios. The film's rhythm becomes noticeably lethargic, with scenes frequently rehashing Kellou's confrontations with the community and her eventual decision to leave, without significant plot development. This loss of narrative drive results in a film that, despite its rich initial premise and powerful themes, struggles to offer a continually compelling experience, ultimately delivering a conclusion that feels more protracted than impactful, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfilled potential.