Director Laila Marrakchi's Morocco-set drama about a family gathering to mourn its father is an enjoyable and visually scrumptious affair, even if the premise is familiar.
The film opens with wealthy upper class patriarch, played by Omar Sharif with a twinkle in his eye, announcing his sudden death. It's a warm, slightly offbeat way to begin the story and a gentle reminder not to take the ensuing drama too seriously. While Sharif's screen role is small, the influence and power his character had over his family is keenly felt by those gathered to mourn, including his youngest, estranged daughter Sofia (Alaoui), who has returned from America for the funeral. Despite her mother and sisters' welcome it's not long before personal grievances are aired and unhappy marriages are exposed.
The story takes place during a traditional three-day funeral, and as well as the immediate family there is also a long-term housekeeper and her moody son, a mistress, and the memory of a deceased sister to deal with.
The film moves at a steady pace and although Marrakchi's next move is generally obvious, the script is sharp and amusing.
As well as Sharif, Lebanese film-maker and actress Nadine Labaki (Caramel) does a fabulous job of lifting the mood as a sister tries to catch the attention of her distracted husband through plastic surgery. Morjana Alaoui does a good job portraying Sofia as a woman stuck between her past and her future, even if it comes with a predictable American versus Middle Eastern theme.
