Rebel

Directed and co-written by Ms Marvel and Bad Boys For Life duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, Rebel tells the moving story of a Belgian family torn apart by extremism when eldest son Kamil (Aboubakr Bensaihi, who worked with the filmmakers on 2015’s Black) joins ISIS. His mother, Leia (Lubna Azabal) is devastated at the news, while his younger brother, 13-year-old Nassim (Amir El Arbi), is understandably angry and confused by the situation. This makes him the prime target for recruiters who wish to radicalise him.

Bolstered by a collection of phenomenal performances, Rebel doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to its subject matter, with some sequences being difficult to watch. El Arbi and Fallah position viewers in the centre of the violence and drama with a series of long shots that ensure audiences experience every unpleasant detail, even if the gruesome actions are happening just outside the frame. Moreover, it’s the nuanced layers of morality the filmmakers sow throughout their script (co-written by Kevin Meul) which adds to the humanity at the heart of the drama. While the film acts to highlight the atrocities carried out by religious extremism, neither Kamal nor Nassim are monsters. They’re simply troubled individuals who’ve been taken advantage of.

What’s most surprising about this feature is that it features a selection of musical numbers complete with sleek choreography. The imagery within these sequences is spectacular. In one, a nightclub interior flips on its head, and the dancefloor is replaced by a warzone. The blood and dirt merge with the strobe lights as Kamal raps about his frustrations. It’s mesmerising. Despite the stunning artistry of these sequences, they’re all tonally jarring to the point of distraction. A rap number immediately after a harrowing bombing scene ultimately detracts from the impact more than anything else.

Running at over two hours long, Rebel is likewise at least twenty minutes too long. A large chunk of the opening act is unnecessary flashbacks detailing Kamal and Nassim’s relationship. Though their relationship is integral to the plot, the script characterises their interpersonal drama far better in much more hard-hitting scenes later.

Rebel is a bold drama on family and brotherhood that eloquently navigates difficult subject matter to provocative effect. It’s certainly far from perfect, though the excellent performances and stellar creativity make up for its shortcomings.

Andrew Murray

Rebel is released digitally on demand on 16^th January 2023.

Watch the trailer for Rebel here: