Qarantina

Qarantina is an Iraqi drama film released in 2010, directed by Oday Rasheed, and starring Asaad Abdul Majeed, Alaa Najem, and Hattam Auda. Operating vividly within the terrain of neorealism, Qarantina is Rasheed's second feature following the years of societal and political turbulence in post-war Iraq.

Asaad Abdul Majeed plays the lead role of a contract killer who is depicted as a man of few words with a chillingly ruthless aura. He almost transforms into a kind of specter haunting the house, engendering discomfort and fear. Majeed's performance supports the enigmatic and imposing personality of the character effectively.

Alaa Najem is seen in a potently poignant capacity as an adolescent boy, Meran, who is grappling with his coming of age in a harsh and grim household. He brings out the innocence, the confusion, the curiosity and the underlying courage of the character quite beautifully.

Hattam Auda plays the role of Kerem, the grizzled, despondent patriarch of the family on the brink of emotional and psychological collapse. Auda's portrayal of a man caught in the web of societal decay and personal loss brings forth a disturbingly raw experience.

Qarantina tells the story of an unconventional family living in a ramshackle home nestled among the looming high-rises in the heart of Baghdad. Amidst daily gunfire and bombings, this family endures the frailty and bleakness of their existence, which is further aggravated when a mysterious assassin, cool and emotionless, takes up residence in their home, presumably on their landlord's order.

Directed by Oday Rasheed, one of the only filmmakers to have stayed in Iraq following the United States' invasion in 2003, Qarantina represents the grim reality of a war-ravaged nation. The film boasts an intriguing blend of elements from various film genres: drama, tragedy, a sprinkling of dark humor, and crime. It is a tale that happens under a backdrop of imminent danger, blending an eerie calmness with an undercurrent of tension. The film is about human connection and its resilience in the face of seemingly unending adversity, painted intricately with brush strokes of love, despair, and hope.

Each character in the film reveals a different facet of society- a brutal hitman without remorse, a young boy on the edge of manhood in a confusing and violent world, a beleaguered father struggling to keep his sanity while the world around him crumbles, and a spirited young woman living in the shadow of disgrace.

Qarantina has been shot almost exclusively inside an old mansion, turning the location into an almost character-like entity witnessing the tale of these lost souls. It is not just a backdrop for the story but a crucible where the contradictions of Iraqi society- old and new, rich and poor, violent and peaceful come to a head.

However, the film isn't merely about the depths of despair. It also delves into the complexities of human nature and its capacity for care. Amidst their travails, the characters form unexpected relationships, providing temporary respite and, at times, compassion to each other.

The cinematography of the movie beautifully encapsulates the dramatic and tense situations, thus creating a unique visual narrative that complements the screenplay. Cinematic techniques such as the use of deep shadows and dimly lit scenes lend an atmosphere of intensity and suspense that are both uncomfortable and magnetic.

Bringing to life the rough, beautiful, and often contradictory realities of post-war Iraq, Qarantina captures the essence of survival in a very human way. While it may take place in a setting that may be alien to some, it shares universal themes that resonate on a global level: the struggle to survive, the longing for normality, unbending human spirit, and search for identity and love in the face of adversity.

With its ensemble of emotive performances, a haunting atmosphere, an intriguing plot, and Oday Rasheed's deft direction, Qarantina offers an insightful and moving look at the state of a war-stricken society trying to survive. The film remains a remarkable testament to Iraqi cinema's resilience and unwillingness to be silenced in the face of adversity.