Marked by a fierce vitality and vivid emotional authenticity, “Papicha” thrives on the heat of Nedjma’s anger and the glorious bond among the mostly young female performers. (Male characters are unfortunately drawn far more thinly.) Terrible things happen; but by celebrating the women’s intimacy and naïve exuberance, Meddour eases the suffocating noose of religious extremism. In French and Arabic, with subtitles. Watch on Film at Lincoln Center’s virtual cinema.

Source: New York Times May 28, 2020 13:52 UTC