Chadian filmmaker Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s latest endeavor, “Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars,” paints an enigmatic portrait of life in the Ennedi desert. Central to the narrative is Kellou, a young woman plagued by visions that blur the boundaries between past and future. This mystical journey teeters between captivating parable and heavy-handed metaphor, yet struggles to maintain a consistent allure. Moments of visual beauty and poetic expression are undeniable, but they’re often overshadowed by stretches of monotony.
The Complex World of Kellou
Maïmouna Miawana delivers a heartfelt performance as Kellou, a character marked by resilience and a sense of alienation. Labeled a “blood girl” due to her mother’s death during childbirth, Kellou faces rejection in her village. Compounding her isolation are haunting visions that foretell tumultuous events. Her father, Gabra, played by Ériq Ebouaney, remains an outsider himself, never fully integrated into village life.
Despite these challenges, Kellou finds solace in her relationship with Baba, a fellow villager. Yet, his family’s disapproval pushes her further into solitude. Her connection with Aya, an elder and fellow outcast portrayed by Achouackh Abakar Souleymane, offers a rare sanctuary. Together, they explore a newfound world of acceptance, challenging the rigid traditions surrounding them.
A Bond Beyond Conventions
The film’s emotional core lies in the friendship between Kellou and Aya. Aya, a mentor-like figure, reassures Kellou that her visions don’t define her as an anomaly. In this shared kinship, Kellou pledges to care for the ailing Aya, a promise that draws the ire of village elders. The community’s hostility towards Aya culminates in Gabra being threatened with eviction, and even Baba’s affection for Kellou wanes. Aya’s reputation as a cursed figure prevails, blamed for the village’s misfortunes, including infant deaths and devastating storms.
Fantastical Tales and Visual Brilliance
At its imaginative peak, Aya shares an enchanting tale of her conception, set at a masked feast where identities blur. This scene, a masterstroke between Haroun and cinematographer Mathieu Giombini, is a visual delight, leaving viewers questioning the line between myth and reality.
Yet, once these vibrant moments pass, the film loses its momentum. The magical realism fades, leaving behind a tapestry of metaphors. Gabra becomes emblematic of the immigrant experience, while Kellou’s quest embodies defiance against patriarchal constraints. Though well-meaning, these themes lack the excitement and vibrancy of earlier sequences.
A Narrative That Falters
As the plot progresses, the film’s pace slows, weighed down by repeated scenes of defiance and eventual departure. The promise to care for Aya overtakes the narrative, yet fails to deliver dramatic impact. Rich elements of a mystical world are introduced but not fully realized.
“Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars” aspires to weave a captivating tale of myth and reality in the desert. Despite its aspirational themes, Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s cinematic narrative struggles to sustain the magic it so beautifully hints at, leaving viewers yearning for a more profound journey.
