

Movie spotlight
Noise in the Middle
After the sudden death of his wife, a grieving father of a severely non-verbal autistic girl seeks experimental therapy where he unknowingly rents an Air B&B with a haunted history. This stirs his daughter's psychic abilities along with his personal demons. The result is a story full of suspense, tension, empathy and a powerful metaphor about the Noise in all of us.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a near-future Beirut where toxic pollution has forced residents to live in sealed, air-conditioned apartments, a young woman named Layla attempts to uncover the truth behind the environmental catastrophe. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not only her own survival but the fate of the entire city.
Critical Reception
Noise in the Middle received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric tension, timely themes, and strong performances, particularly from Manal Issa. Some noted its deliberate pacing, while others found its dystopian vision compelling and relevant.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its evocative atmosphere and relevant environmental themes.
Manal Issa delivers a compelling central performance.
Some found the pacing a bit slow, but the overall dystopian narrative is effective.
Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's thought-provoking exploration of environmental issues and its tense, engaging storyline. Many highlighted the strong acting and the unique, unsettling depiction of a future Beirut.
Awards & Accolades
Selected for the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, where it garnered positive attention.
Fun Fact
The film's director, Mounia Akl, was inspired by real-world environmental concerns and the resilience of people in challenging circumstances.
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