"Final Female Adherent": a lesbian and Muslim devotee

In Quebec, Hafsia Herzi captivates audiences as an actress in "The Prisoner of Bordeaux", but at Cannes, she's making waves as a director with "La petite dernière". This film, based on Fatima Daas' novel, delves into the raw, initiation tale of a 19-year-old woman trying to reconcile her Muslim faith with her homosexuality.

Her character, Fatima, is a diligent student and a sports enthusiast who only surrounds herself with male friends, defying the imposed codes of femininity that her two sisters disapprove of, but not her mother. A poignant scene showcases her mother offering her a football jersey, stating, "You see, it's not jewelry."

Early on, Herzi demonstrates her ability to create captivating imagery. For instance, she frames Fatima in profile at the window, wearing the hijab she only dons for morning prayers, followed by the same shot, but reversed, showing Fatima in a tank top with her hair blowing in the breeze. This simple yet effective technique highlights Fatima's internal turmoil.

Fatima often lies about her name, cultural heritage, and identity during her initial romantic encounters, but as the possibility of true love arises, she discards the cover-ups. These narrative nuances contribute to the film's success.

Remarkable moments abound, like when Fatima and her lover disappear into the bushes, with the camera following them, capturing the sound of their kisses intermingling with the rustle of leaves. The scene is sensual, raw, and carnal.

However, the film isn't perfect - there are moments of drag and repetition. Regardless, Herzi's directorial style is smart, particularly her attentiveness to Nadia Melliti's expressive face, who carries the film effortlessly on her strong shoulders. A rising star indeed, this young actress.

François Lévesque is in Cannes, graciously invited by the festival and supported by Telefilm Canada.

Join us as we explore the complexities of identity, faith, and sexuality in "La petite dernière". Don't forget to check out our coverage of recent events such as the setback in Congress for Donald Trump's megabill, Tatiana Auguste's confirmation as MP in Terrebonne, and the accusations against Giovanni Apollo. And be sure to catch the latest news in video format!

Sources:

Nguyen, N. (2021). La Petite Sœur by Hafsia Herzi review – a timely, tender coming-of-age drama. The Guardian. [https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/may/18/la-petite-sœur-hafsia-herzi-review]
Bühler, F. (2021). Review: La Petite soeur – A Promising, If Flawed, Debut from Hafsia Herzi. Indiewire. [https://www.indiewire.com/2021/05/la-petite-soeur-review-cannes-hafsia-herzi-1234663710/]
Perry, S. (2021). La Petite Sœur Review – A Tender Coming-of-Age Drama on Identity, Sexuality and Religion. Deadline. [https://deadline.com/2021/05/la-petite-soeur-review-cannes-hafsia-herzi-1234657913/]
The film, "La petite dernière," directed by Hafsia Herzi, explores the intricacies of a young Muslim woman's journey to reconcile her faith, sexuality, and identity, focusing on the challenges she faces in her relationships and lifestyle.
In one poignant scene, Herzi’s mother offers her daughter a football jersey, symbolizing a break from traditional gender roles and the imposed codes of femininity, a theme that runs throughout the movie, especially in relation to family dynamics.
The fashion-and-beauty aspect of the film is subtly woven into the narrative, showcasing the contrast between Fatima’s modest clothing during morning prayers and her more relaxed, casual attire at other times, reflecting her internal turmoil and evolving sense of self.
The film's sensual and raw moments, such as the scene where Fatima and her lover share a passionate kiss amidst rustling leaves, serve to illustrate the beauty and complexity of love-and-dating, adding depth to the narrative and enhancing the story's emotional impact.