Mariam

In a secluded village, a young woman named Mariam becomes increasingly disturbed by unsettling visions and strange occurrences surrounding her impending marriage. As the wedding day approaches, the line between reality and hallucination blurs, and a dark secret tied to the village's history threatens to consume her. Mariam must confront her fears and uncover the truth before she is lost to the encroaching darkness.

Mariam received a generally positive reception, with critics praising its atmospheric tension, strong lead performance, and intricate plot. While some found the pacing occasionally slow, the film was lauded for its effective blend of psychological horror and mystery, marking it as a notable entry in contemporary Tunisian cinema.

• Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and suspenseful build-up.
• Feryel Youssef's performance as Mariam was frequently highlighted as a compelling center to the narrative.
• Appreciated for its blend of supernatural horror and grounded psychological dread.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Mariam often point to its eerie mood and compelling storyline as major strengths. Viewers found the film's exploration of psychological distress and supernatural elements to be effective, though some noted that certain plot points could have been further developed.

Nominated for Best Film at the Carthage Film Festival (JCC).

Director Abdelhamid Bouchnak aimed to explore themes of tradition and superstition within a modern Tunisian context, drawing inspiration from local folklore and anxieties.