This is a superb film, and might be my favourite film of the year. It's excellently put together by John Michael McDonagh, yet again after his previous two gems, Calvary and The Guard. It's written incredibly well, and blends bourgeoisie excess and celebration of a gay wedding with the precarious and unknown nature of supposed revenge-filled Arab father in North Africa. The juxtaposition of the two is alive throughout but perfectly comes to the fore when fireworks are in the sky and the father is collecting his dead son's body. The Tunisian milieu with waiters and sand huts and turbans and disparate poverty works nicely as a backdrop to not only the film's first world indulgences but also Ralph Fiennes' character's arc. He starts out as a typically British, opinionated, pompous and begrudging guest, which is where most of the comedy comes from - Ralph is hilarious - and through his journey becomes more understanding and empathetic. The film really works well in that way, as a mature drama but with mature humour, too, which is typically dry and McDonaghian. It treats you, the viewer, as if you have a brain - a welcome relief from a slurry of dumb, flashy, woke nonsense that is the majority of Hollywood's output.

I suppose one could also call the film a little pretentious. The backwards opening titles and the general aura of infidels partying it up in Muslim country, but I felt that worked for me, and worked in its favour. It's a shame it's not being considered for awards because Ralph in particular is excellent.

A very welcome film of 2022, when there's plenty of duds and dull films released each year, this jumps out with a setting and story that's just different. What makes it intriguing is the very much realistic blend of characters, relationships and dialogue. McDonagh has a knack of bringing humor and drama to the screen that feels unique. It has a very good score too.

B+

Lovely. I'm pleased you liked it.