✅ Theeb (2014) is a visually stunning Jordanian-British period drama thriller, acclaimed for its authentic portrayal of Bedouin life and a gripping coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the First World War’s Middle Eastern theatre.
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Theeb
Director: Naji Abu Nowar
Writer: Naji Abu Nowar, Bassel Ghandour
Stars: Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat, Hussein Salameh Al-Sweilhiyeen, Hassan Mutlag Al-Maraiyeh
Plot: In the Ottoman province of Hijaz during World War I, a young Bedouin boy experiences a greatly hastened coming-of-age as he embarks on a perilous desert journey to guide a British officer to his secret destination.
Countries: Jordan, United Kingdom, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
Languages: Arabic, English, Turkish
IMDb: View on IMDb
Theeb (2014) – Movie Overview & Analysis-bollyflix.ist
Movie Details
- Full Name: Theeb (2014)
- Language: Hejazi Arabic, English
- Budget: Not publicly available (estimated to be low, around $1.5 million USD)
- Revenue: $774,556 (Worldwide Box Office)
- Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes)
- Release Date: September 4, 2014 (Venice Film Festival); March 19, 2015 (Jordan/UAE); August 14, 2015 (UK)
- Genres: Period Drama, Thriller, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Western (often referred to as a “Bedouin Western”)
- Cast: Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat (Theeb), Hussein Salameh Al-Sweilhiyeen (Hussein), Hassan Mutlag Al-Maraiyeh (The Stranger/Al Ghareeb), Jack Fox (Edward – British Officer), Marji Audeh, Hmood Ali (Sheikh).
- Directors: Naji Abu Nowar
- Screenplay: Naji Abu Nowar, Bassel Ghandour
- Studios & Producers:
- Production Companies: Bayt Al Shawareb, Noor Pictures, Immortal Entertainment
- Producers: Bassel Ghandour, Rupert Lloyd, Nadine Toukan, Nasser Kalaji, Laith Majali, Diala Al Raie, Yanal Kassay
- Distributors: MAD Solutions (MENA), New Wave Films (UK)
- Voice Cast: N/A (Live-action film)
- Animation & Style: Live-action
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Bayt Al Shawareb, Noor Pictures, Immortal Entertainment -
Image via Bayt Al Shawareb, Noor Pictures, Immortal Entertainment -
Image via Bayt Al Shawareb, Noor Pictures, Immortal Entertainment -
Image via Bayt Al Shawareb, Noor Pictures, Immortal Entertainment
Plot Summary
Set in the Ottoman province of Hijaz during the First World War in 1916, “Theeb” is a coming-of-age story about a young Bedouin boy named Theeb (meaning “wolf”). He lives a traditional nomadic life with his elder brother, Hussein. Their peaceful existence is shattered when a British Army officer and his guide arrive in their isolated desert community, seeking assistance for a secret mission across the treacherous Wadi Rum desert. Against his brother’s wishes, Theeb secretly follows them. As their journey unfolds, they encounter unforeseen dangers, including ambushes by mercenaries and revolutionaries, forcing Theeb to quickly learn the harsh realities of survival and betrayals in a world rapidly changing around him. The film portrays his transformation from an innocent child to a resilient survivor, highlighting the ancient Bedouin traditions in conflict with the encroaching modern warfare.
Cast & Crew
Directed by Naji Abu Nowar, “Theeb” features a largely non-professional cast from the local Bedouin community, lending immense authenticity to the film. Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat delivers a remarkable and natural performance in the titular role of Theeb, conveying innocence, fear, and burgeoning resilience. Hussein Salameh Al-Sweilhiyeen, as his elder brother Hussein, provides a strong and protective presence. Jack Fox plays Edward, the British officer, with appropriate detachment. Abu Nowar’s commitment to immersing himself within the Bedouin culture for a year prior to filming greatly influenced the nuanced performances and realistic portrayal of their way of life. The film’s compelling narrative is further enhanced by the beautiful cinematography of Wolfgang Thaler and the evocative music of Jerry Lane.
Critical & Audience Response
“Theeb” garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning a Metascore of 80/100 (“generally favorable reviews”) and a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising it as a “startlingly assured first effort.” It was lauded for its powerful storytelling, authentic performances from its non-professional cast, breathtaking cinematography, and its unique blend of a coming-of-age tale with a historical thriller and a “Bedouin Western” aesthetic. The film received numerous accolades, including the Best Director award in the Horizons section at the Venice International Film Festival, and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards, marking a historic first for Jordan. Audiences also responded positively, appreciating its immersive cultural experience and gripping narrative.
Direction & Cinematography
Naji Abu Nowar’s direction is a standout feature of “Theeb.” His patient and immersive approach allows the story to unfold organically, giving weight to the vastness of the desert and the subtle shifts in character. By living with the Bedouin community, he gained an intimate understanding that translates into an incredibly authentic portrayal on screen. Wolfgang Thaler’s cinematography is equally remarkable, capturing the desolate beauty of the Wadi Rum desert with stunning wide shots that emphasize the characters’ isolation and vulnerability. The visual storytelling is powerful, using natural light and the stark landscape to create a palpable sense of both grandeur and danger, effectively evoking the feeling of a classic Western.
Music & Background Score
The music by Jerry Lane for “Theeb” is understated yet profoundly effective. It subtly weaves traditional Middle Eastern sounds with orchestral elements, creating an atmospheric and evocative score that complements the expansive desert setting and the film’s emotional intensity. The background music sparingly highlights moments of tension, solitude, and the deep emotional connection between the characters, without ever overshadowing the natural sounds of the desert or the raw performances. This thoughtful approach to the score enhances the film’s immersive quality and its gripping narrative.
Visuals & Special Effects
“Theeb” relies almost entirely on its stunning natural landscapes and authentic production design, rather than elaborate special effects. The visuals are striking due to the untouched beauty of the Wadi Rum desert, captured masterfully by cinematographer Wolfgang Thaler. The film uses practical effects for its action sequences, making the ambushes and survival challenges feel raw and immediate. The visual authenticity of the Bedouin camp, the costumes, and the period-specific details immerse the audience directly into the 1916 setting, creating a powerful sense of time and place.
Editing & Screenplay
The screenplay by Naji Abu Nowar and Bassel Ghandour is praised for its lean, efficient storytelling that builds tension gradually and focuses on character development through action and subtle interactions. The narrative unfolds like a classic Western, with a clear journey and escalating stakes. Rupert Lloyd’s editing maintains a deliberate yet compelling pace, allowing the vastness of the desert to breathe while keeping the focus on Theeb’s emotional and physical journey. The balance between serene, observational moments and sudden bursts of intense action is handled with precision, contributing to the film’s gripping nature.
Positives / What Works
“Theeb” is highly praised for its authentic portrayal of Bedouin culture, stunning desert cinematography, and the compelling coming-of-age journey of its young protagonist. Naji Abu Nowar’s assured direction, the natural performances from the non-professional cast, and the gripping, suspenseful narrative (often described as a “Bedouin Western”) are its strongest assets. The film’s ability to create a vivid sense of place and time is exceptional.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While widely lauded, some viewers might find the film’s deliberate pace challenging, especially in its initial setup before the main conflict escalates. Given its focus on authenticity, it might not appeal to those looking for a fast-paced, action-heavy thriller with more conventional plot twists.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Theeb” is an extraordinary and deeply immersive film that transcends cultural boundaries with its powerful human story. It’s a masterclass in patient storytelling, showcasing a remarkable blend of historical drama, survival thriller, and a poignant coming-of-age tale. Its stunning visuals, authentic performances, and strong direction make it a truly memorable cinematic experience. The film is highly recommended for those who appreciate richly drawn characters, historical context, and the beauty of vast, unforgiving landscapes. It stands as a significant achievement in Arab cinema and world cinema alike.
Movie Rating
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Story & Screenplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) |
| Direction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) |
| Visuals & Special Effects | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) |
| Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
What is "Theeb" about?
It is a coming-of-age story about a young Bedouin boy navigating survival and betrayal during World War I in the Arabian Desert.
Who directed "Theeb"?
The film was directed by Naji Abu Nowar.
