Bed3 Sa3at Fe Yawman Ma unfolds over the course of eight hours, chronicling a group of interconnected characters navigating love and relationships. The film’s episodic narrative mirrors the structure of Mohamed Sadek’s titular novel, weaving together seemingly disparate stories that converge through subtle intersections.
This approach, while reminiscent of Sadek’s previous adaptation, Hepta, offers a unique exploration of love in its many forms. However, unlike Hepta, where the connections between stories were revealed in a satisfying and unexpected manner, this film’s linking of narratives feels forced, particularly in its conclusion.
Time and Humanity
The film’s central theme, examining life through brief, interconnected episodes, offers a commentary on the fleeting nature of time and relationships. The eight-hour timeframe encapsulates the essence of human existence: incomplete, messy, yet profoundly meaningful.
Mohamed Sadek’s Literary
Image via Facebook
The adaptation marks the second time Mohamed Sadek’s work has been brought to the screen following the massive success of Hepta. The anticipation surrounding this project was palpable, with Sadek’s track record of crafting intricate narratives about human connections setting high expectations.
However, while Hepta became a cultural phenomenon and is even getting a sequel nearly a decade later, Bed3 Sa3at Fe Yawman Ma takes a different approach, emphasising life’s fleeting yet impactful moments. Sadek’s introspective writing style, which analyses characters’ psyches and repressed emotions, remains evident, offering glimpses into the hidden depths of human interactions.
Othman Abu Laban’s Seamless Transitions
Under the direction of Othman Abu Laban, the film transitions effortlessly between its multiple storylines. Known for his work on Taw2am Rohy and El Mowaten X, Abu Laban’s expertise shines as he balances the narratives without losing the audience. The film’s nighttime setting and gradual progression towards dawn create a visual metaphor for hope and renewal. Yet, there’s a lingering sense that more expressive use of sound and imagery could have elevated the film to an exceptional status.
A Stellar Ensemble
The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, breathing life into their complex characters. Starting off, Hesham Maged and Hana El Zahed’s portrayal of a fleeting relationship born out of a broken-down car offers moments of sacrifice and love, albeit slightly rushed in its emotional development.
Mai Omar’s character, a former ballet dancer and a disillusioned social media figure, is married to Ahmed El Saadany’s character to explore themes of inadequacy and domestic abuse, underpinned by violence and unspoken tensions. Then comes a quartet that delved into the complexities of past loves, marital insecurities, and fabricated tales of virility. Played by Asmaa Galal and Mohamed El-Sharnouby, alongside two guest stars, they brought so much on-screen charisma.
Huda El Mufti gets herself in a voice-only role, hinting at a romantic story that’s as false as it is necessary for both characters. The other character’s anonymity would have been intriguing had we not spotted the actor’s raspy voice from the beginning. However, it was a story that stood out because of how out there it was!
Associated with Huda’s story is Mohamed Salam, who has a sideline with Mayan El-Sayed and Khaled Anwar. Their roles add layers of societal critique, with themes ranging from social media obsession to psychological trauma. Tackling topics we’re familiar with on-screen, like sexual assault, but also diseases seen for the first time, like Torette’s Syndrome.
Breaking Patterns
The film emerges as a bold experiment in an industry often criticised for its repetitive formulas. In an era where economic pressures discourage middle-class audiences from engaging with cinema, Bed3 Sa3at Fe Yawman Ma challenges the narrative that Ahmed El Sobky is responsible for the perceived decline in cinema. The latter’s knack for assembling star-studded casts and streamlining production schedules has redefined industry standards.
Final Thoughts
While Bed3 Sa3at Fe Yawman Ma may not achieve the cultural resonance of Hepta, it carves out its own space as a thought-provoking and visually captivating piece of cinema. Its imperfections, from forced narrative links to occasional lapses in realism, are overshadowed by its ambition and ensemble cast. It is an experience worth savouring, even if it leaves you yearning for just a bit more.
