Joyland

Haider’s (Ali Junejo) life is changed forever when he crosses paths with Biba (Alina Khan) at a hospital. He’s the quiet-spoken youngest son in a traditional family; she’s one of the stars in an erotic dance show. When Haider lands a job as one of her background dancers (something which he must hide from his conservative father), he becomes totally and completely infatuated with her. As their relationship develops over the following weeks, he’s confronted with new desires that go against his family’s values.

In his first feature film, Saim Sadiq (who shares a writing credit with Maggie Briggs) uses Haider and Biba’s bond to examine the space between religious tradition and modern sexuality in Pakistan. When he’s not with Biba, our protagonist is at home with his wife, Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq). They have lighthearted interactions and a mutual understanding of one another, despite living within the shadow of a domineering patriarch, Haider’s father. It’s only when he’s with the dancer, free of his family’s expectations, that he feels comfortable enough to become a new version of himself. However, his encounters with this new woman are mired with their own complications, primarily the stigma of her being trans. Alongside facing judgemental whispers from onlookers and hostility from his colleagues, Haider also has his own prejudices to negotiate.

Sadiq doesn’t offer any simple answers to any of these characters’ situations. Rather, Joyland thoughtfully explores each of these complex issues with honesty and depth in ways that are both playful and raw. Helmed by a collection of wonderful performances, the cast only add to the tangible humanity that pours out of every aspect of this picture.

Joyland is likewise a staggeringly beautiful film. The 4:3 aspect ratio brings viewers into Haider’s world, the narrow picture reflecting his feelings of being trapped. Each shot carries a strong sense of purpose, while shots of bodies and hands touching bodies play into the themes of desire and sexuality.

Moreover, Sadiq refuses to fall into the trap of making his trans character a tragic one. Babi is fiercely independent and doesn’t allow anyone (even Haider) to take advantage of her. By using Haider as the main focal point of his story, Sadiq has crafted a bold feature debut which tackles grand ideas on a small yet profound scale.

Andrew Murray

Joyland is released in select cinemas on 24^th February 2023.

Watch the trailer for Joyland here: