Qarantina

Year: 2010
Country: IRAQ
Run Time: 90 minutes

Amidst war-torn Iraq, a troubled family deals with the ominous pressures of poverty, abuse, infidelity, and secrets. Under the harsh reign of Salih, the oppressive and brutal father, lives Meriam—the adolescent pregnant daughter who has fallen into an emotionless and silent daze. The only compassion she receives is from her young, submissive stepmother Kerima and her little brother Muhanad who is forced to work in the streets as a shoe-shiner to support his family. Adding to their already troubled situation, the family must cohabitate in their rundown shelter with an intimidating, conflicted professional killer as part of their boarding arrangement. Originally cold and detached, the man becomes unwillingly involved with the family after engaging in a carnal affair with Kerima. Though the fatal threats of war loom at the gates of their courtyard, the real danger lives within the confines of their foreboding walls in this perilous, striking drama. (In Arabic with subtitles) – M.M.

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