You Will Die at Twenty

You Will Die at Twenty is an engaging and layered 2019 drama film. The movie is helmed by Sudanese director Amjad Abu Alala and features stellar performances from actors like Mustafa Shehata, Islam Mubarak, and Mahmoud Maysara Elsaraj.

The film is a deeply moving exploration of an individual's journey of self-discovery and rebellion against societal norms and predestined futures. It's a stylishly told narrative that's both uplifting and thought-provoking in its tone, drawing viewers in with its visually-rich cinematography, and retaining their interest through its emotionally-potent plot line.

At the core of You Will Die at Twenty's story is a boy named Muzamil (Mustafa Shehata), who becomes the subject of a heart-wrenching prophecy the moment he is born. During his naming ceremony, a religious leader predicts that Muzamil would die at the age of twenty. This damning prophecy forms the underpinning of Muzamil's life, seeping into every aspect of his existence and coloring his reality. Muzamil's deeply religious mother (Islam Mubarak) responds to the prediction with despair, and her actions further validate the prophecy in the eyes of the villagers and her son.

Raised under the shadow of this inevitable curse, Muzamil experiences a unique form of social exclusion. A persistent sense of foreboding and impending doom is a constant companion in his life. Yet Muzamil grows to be a curious individual. His intelligence and sensitivity make him a keen observer of the world around him, triggering an internal quest for meaning beyond his circumscribed life.

The film astutely explores the psychological impact of the prophecy on Muzamil. Throughout his evolution from a bewildered child to a young man grappling with the pressures of a life restrained, Shehata’s portrayal compels empathy from the audience.

As Muzamil comes of age, he meets Sulaiman (Mahmoud Maysara Elsaraj), a free-spirited traveler with varied experiences and a thirst for life. He introduces Muzamil to a world outside his confined existence—a world brimming with possibilities, adventure, and importantly, an appreciation for life beyond the constraints of fate. It's through this relationship that Muzamil begins to question the prophecy's hold over him and ponders the possibility of individual will and choice.

Mubarak delivers an excellent performance as Muzamil's mother, Sakina, embodying the character’s conflicted emotions and dilemma with relatable vulnerability. Her struggle to shield her son from the cruel prophecy while dealing with her struggle to let him live a normal life forms a significant portion of the narrative.

Amjad Abu Alala’s direction guides the audience through an intimate exploration of themes like faith, superstition, societal norms, and the relentless human spirit. The director employs visually stunning frames and subtle symbolism, layering each scene with complex emotion. The narrative's slow-burning pace and the non-linear storytelling further intensify the unmissable tension that runs throughout the plot.

Adding to the film's undeniably potent narrative is its backdrop—Sudan. The stark yet beautiful landscapes of Sudan serve as a compelling setting for Muzamil's story. You Will Die at Twenty also becomes a welcoming platform for Sudanese culture and traditions to be appreciated on a global platform.

In a nutshell, You Will Die at Twenty can be described as a poignant and visually entrancing coming-of-age tale that’s both deeply personal yet universally relatable. The film’s hauntingly beautiful cinematography, superlative performances, and compelling narrative make it an unmissable watch that effectively immerses audiences into the life of Muzamil. Though cloaked in an atmosphere of destiny and predestination, the film nudges the viewer towards reflection, raising important questions about the power of self-determination and the resonance of human spirit.