THE STRING (LE FIL) (Mehdi Ben Attia, France/Belgium). 93 minutes. Subtitled. Wednesday (May 26), 9:30 pm. Isabel Bader. Rating: NNN
Mehdi Ben Attia’s The String provides a fascinating look at characters caught between cultures and traditions. After the death of his father, architect Malik (Antonin Stahly) returns to his Tunisian home, where his mother (Claudia Cardinale), who caused a scandal decades before by marrying an Arab, wants him to settle down with a woman. When Malik meets his mom’s young handyman, Balil (Salim Kechiouche), it’s clear that ain’t going to happen.
Beautifully shot and well acted, the film takes a while to heat up, and there’s a not-too-convincing tonal shift in the final reel. But it’s a sensitive look at class and customs from a director to watch.
