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Poster for Theeb

Theeb

Seen it?

2014 | 100 min | Adventure, Thriller, Drama

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it drew serious awards attention. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and adventure fans. If you loved True Grit or Last Breath, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Tense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in another language, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Set in the Arabian Desert of 1916, the film follows Theeb, a young Bedouin boy, and his brother Hussein as they leave the safety of their tribe to venture on a treacherous journey at the dawn of the Great Revolt. If Theeb is to survive he must quickly learn about adulthood, trust and betrayal.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 80 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 BAFTA: 69th British Academy Film Awards: Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. Won 1 Venice award: 71st Venice International Film Festival: Best Director (Horizons). Also nominated for 1 more BAFTA and 1 more Venice award. Plus 13 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerWeak

    $775K worldwide; interest faded quickly after launch

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 14K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Naji Abu Nowar

  • Jacir Eid Al-HwietatTheeb
  • Hassan Mutlag Al-MaraiyehThe Stranger
  • Hussein Salameh Al-SweilhiyeenHussein
  • Marji Audeh
  • Jack FoxEdward