Horses of God 2014

The film begins in 1994, introducing us to Yachine, known as Tarek, his aggressive older brother Hamid, and their friends Nabil, the son of local prostitute and singer Tamou, pot-smoking Fouad, and Khalil. They all live in severe poverty in Sidi Moumen, a shanty town on the outskirts of Casablanca, Morocco. Hamid resorts to becoming a drug mule for income, engaging in criminal activities. In one shocking scene, the boys steal alcohol from Khalil’s father’s wedding, leading to a tragic moment where Hamid assaults a drunken Nabil in front of the others.

By 1999, the shanty town has expanded considerably, coinciding with the death of Hassan II of Morocco. Here, Yachine, Nabil, Fouad, and Khalil spend their days smoking marijuana. Yachine harbors feelings for Ghislaine, Fouad’s sister. Meanwhile, Hamid has become a notable drug dealer, keeping a corrupt policeman called Pitbull in his pocket and pushing Yachine away from a life of drugs. The political climate becomes hostile as religious zealots drive Tamou from their community. After throwing a rock at Pitbull’s car, Hamid receives a two-year prison sentence. Yachine faces expulsion from the marketplace, leading Nabil to secure him a job with repairman Ba’Moussa.

Following the September 11 attacks, Hamid emerges from prison, renouncing drugs in favor of radical Islam. In a twist of fate, Yachine is forced to kill Ba’Moussa after the man attempts to assault Nabil. With Hamid’s help, they conceal the crime and find refuge in an Islamic compound hidden in the town. It’s here that Yachine and Nabil come under the influence of Abou Zoubeir, who indoctrinates them into radical Islamic beliefs. Khalil and Fouad are coerced into joining as well, and they begin training in jujutsu. As guilt over the murder weighs heavily on Yachine, he seeks comfort from Nabil but is also captivated by Zoubeir’s teachings on forgiveness through radicalism.

Fast forward to November 2002: Tarek (the former Yachine), along with Nabil and Fouad, fully embrace their new ideology. They are welcomed into the inner circle of the radical group, which enrages Hamid. A montage dramatically illustrates the transformation of the friends. However, Tarek faces heartache when he learns that Ghislaine is set to marry someone else.

In February 2003, law enforcement disrupts a radical Islamic gathering, where Tarek is assaulted. Abou Zoubeir begins to emphasize the concept of martyrdom. Tamou tries to reach out to Nabil, but he rebuffs her advances and gifts. An enigmatic emir arrives with an even stronger message of becoming martyrs, advising the young men, > “Take care, children of Islam, never to become like those who cling to life down here and fear to become martyrs. Fly, horses of God, and the gates of paradise will open for you.” This further fuels Hamid’s jealousy towards Tarek.

As May 9, the day of the planned attack, nears, tensions rise. Abou Zoubeir panics and flees as police close in, prompting the attack to be postponed until May 16. The group ventures into the picturesque foothills near Casablanca, marveling at the wealth and lush landscapes, a stark contrast to their barren life. They camp in a forest, eagerly anticipating their violent mission. During this time, Tarek dreams that after becoming a martyr, Ghislaine will remember him fondly. Hamid struggles to dissuade Tarek from going through with the attack.

On May 15, they return to the shanty town to finalize their preparations with the rest of their cell. The next day, Hamid, Fouad, Tarek, and Nabil explore Casablanca, ultimately arriving at the Casa de España restaurant. Despite Hamid’s attempts to protect Tarek from the dire fate ahead, Tarek pushes him away. Fouad chooses flight over fate, leaving Tarek and Nabil to carry out the horrific act. The screen fades to black as the brothers set off their bombs.

In a haunting conclusion, children in Sidi Moumen play football in the night, momentarily pausing to absorb the distant explosions reverberating through the city. The end credits elaborate on the 2003 Casablanca bombings, detailing the locations and casualties of that tragic day.