NZIFF 2025 Craccum Coverage | Sirât

Review by Daniel C.

“There’s nothing but dust here” 

A man descends onto the lone and level sands. With his son and dog, he searches for his daughter in the desert. Óliver Laxe's new film, is a war film without war, set to the backdrop of the vast landscapes of Morocco. Through rain, and night, and rivers, and storms, solitary wanderers journey in the heat. Mauro Herce’s cinematography captures the rocky red cliffs, wide open valleys, and intimate moments in each their own breathtaking nature. With accompaniment from Kanding Ray’s hypnotically energetic EDM soundtrack, both visuals and audio form a mesmerising and unusual film. 

I enjoyed a lot about the film: the real and grounded acting, the rich social criticism, and the sudden and gripping tones. In every way, I find Sirāt to be a movie about desperate survival, the expression of self, and the ripping tragedy of war. People on the fringe of life, dancing and feeling the beat of the world echoing throughout the sheer cliffs. Headlights beam in the rain, a full moon rises in the night. 

I’m not really sure whether to consider the film more dreamlike or nightmarish. I do know, however, that it’s certainly unforgettable, and for me, I found it superbly executed.