PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2024 REVIEW! Directed by Amjad Al Rasheed and written by Delphine Agut and Rula Nasser, from a story by Al Rasheed, Inshallah A Boy dives into the unfair and unjust ordeals women are pushed through to get their bonafide rights and inheritance. In Jordan, inheritance rights cannot be given to women without a son. As such, what is to become of a widow and her daughter in the wake of loss and the sudden turnaround of her life?
Nawal (Mouna Hawa) suffers the untimely demise of her husband, leaving her and her daughter Nora (Selleba Rababah) in despair. Before she can even grieve, her brother-in-law, Rifqi (Haitham Omari), forces her to divide her husband’s remaining assets. Adamant to claim his rights, Rifqi pushes Nawal to initiate a legal and moral battle that defines her prerogatives and brings light to her place among the primarily patriarchal practices.
“Before she can even grieve, her brother-in-law…forces her to divide her husband’s remaining assets.”
Inshallah A Boy takes on the systematic regressiveness of Jordan’s male-dominant societal and legal standards and conservative values. Right and wrong are only divided by threads of morality, giving the viewers a more active analytical role in observing and interpreting the filmmaker’s intent. Therefore, the on-screen presentation is more of an argumentative discourse intending to provoke debate or discussion. This in-depth scrutiny of patriarchal ideologies’ extensive perceptual framing adds weight to the proceedings.
The filmmakers hide little details in dialogue and Nawal’s domestic and household activities. We traverse a crucial prayer meeting after her husband’s demise, wherein the lead is reminded of her unfathomable loss, which extends further loss of her free will and individuality. Nawal is put under a restrictive routine for the next few days but is alone to take care and look after her daughter. Things move so subtly and calmly that for an unfamiliar audience, it’s near-shocking. Every time there is a knock, Nawal is careful to cover her head and is seen avoiding catching eyes with unknown men. These are little glimpses of semi-exhaustive norms undermining women’s societal position.
"…leaves you with a climax that inspires hope..."
