For some, Algerian cinema can already become exotic, and here the country decided to boast of a local and colorful art house, which, unfortunately, will not go to everyone. But the attempt of the North African film industry to compete with the independent metro of Europeans – the initiative looks interesting.
The history of “Abu Layla” begins with the shooting by two men of an entrepreneur or professor, the authors do not give details on the identification of the person. In fact, as well as all subsequent events. And after that, the plot takes the viewer into the car of two traveling policemen, the connection between whom for a very long time looks unknown, as well as the fact of what or whom they are looking for.
One of them is on medication and has seizures from time to time. Through the reception of certain hallucinations of one of the characters, the filmmakers gradually build a connection between the two main characters and the murder that occurred at the very beginning of the story. I will not say that the film lacks style – moreover, directing and camera work look like quality work, but the mental aphorisms and surrealism accompanying the development of one of the main characters put the viewer in a difficult position, and already closer to the middle of the story, watching “Abu Layla” becomes a real test.
Perhaps Western critics have chosen to compliment this independent film as motivational tools to elevate national cinema, but for the average viewer, despite the stated ambitious genres of thriller and detective, this project is unlikely to be a memorable experience.
4 out of 10