Out in the Dark 2013
Directed by
Michael Mayer
Made by
Breaking Glass Pictures
Plot Summary
The story unfolds in the complex backdrop of Israel and Palestine, centering on Nimer Mashrawi, a Palestinian student portrayed by Nicholas Jacob. As Nimer heads to Tel Aviv to meet his friend Mustafa N’amnais, played by Loai Nofi, at a lively gay bar, his life takes an unexpected turn. At this bar, he encounters Roy Scheffer, a Jewish lawyer brought to life by Michael Aloni. What begins as a friendship quickly blossoms into love; however, Nimer grapples with the complicated implications of their relationship amidst cultural and societal pressures.
The tension escalates when Nimer faces rejection from his own Palestinian community due to his sexual orientation, while at the same time the Israeli society he seeks acceptance from rejects him for his nationality. This painful duality deepens when Nimer discovers that his brother Nabil Mashrawi, played by Jamil Khoury, is involved in dangerous dealings, hiding a stash of weapons for his militant associates.
As Nimer secures a student visa to study at an Israeli university, he finds himself with more chances to see Roy. However, this joy is short-lived as he encounters the Israeli Secret Service, who threaten to revoke his visa unless he cooperates as an informant. Defiantly, Nimer refuses their demands, resulting in the cancellation of his visa. Meanwhile, Mustafa, living clandestinely in Tel Aviv under similar precarious circumstances, faces dire consequences when he can no longer supply information, leading to his forcible deportation back to the West Bank. Tragically, Nimer is forced to witness the brutal torture and execution of Mustafa for being both homosexual and an informant.
Further complicating his situation, Nabil and his associates discover Nimer’s photo on Mustafa’s phone. In an unexpected turn of events, Nabil allows Nimer to flee, sparing his life despite the overarching conflict. Nimer finds temporary refuge at Roy’s home, as the threat looms larger when Nabil’s weapons cache is uncovered, leading to his arrest and the authorities’ search for Nimer as a suspected accomplice.
As the danger closes in, Roy devises a plan to have Nimer smuggled to France through his connections with an underworld figure tied to his law firm. Despite promising to reunite in the future, Roy sacrifices his freedom, distracting the police to enable Nimer’s escape. Nimer makes it aboard a ship, setting sail towards an uncertain future, completely unaware of the fate that has befallen his beloved Roy.
Timeline
Nimer's Journey Begins
Nimer Mashrawi, a Palestinian student, departs for Tel Aviv where he intends to meet his friend Mustafa N'amnais. This trip is filled with anticipation as Nimer looks forward to enjoying a vibrant nightlife experience.
Meeting Roy
At a lively gay bar in Tel Aviv, Nimer meets Roy Scheffer, a Jewish lawyer. What starts as a friendship quickly evolves into a deep, romantic connection that challenges Nimer's existing beliefs and socio-cultural loyalties.
Cultural Conflict Arises
As Nimer's relationship with Roy grows, he faces intense rejection from his Palestinian community due to his sexual orientation. Simultaneously, he encounters prejudice from Israeli society because of his Palestinian identity, creating a painful duel of insecurities.
Nimer's Brother's Secrets
Nimer learns that his brother, Nabil, is involved in dangerous operations, including hiding weapons for militants. This revelation not only compounds Nimer's stress but also entangles him deeper into a web of violence and political strife.
Visa Hope
Securing a student visa to study at an Israeli university offers Nimer a glimmer of hope and more opportunities to meet Roy. However, this newfound freedom is overshadowed by the complex political dynamics surrounding him.
Threat from the Secret Service
Nimer's joy is cut short when the Israeli Secret Service confronts him, demanding he act as an informant in exchange for keeping his visa. Caught in a moral dilemma, Nimer stands firm and refuses their ultimatum.
Visa Revocation
Defiantly maintaining his stance, Nimer's visa is ultimately revoked, forcing him into a precarious situation. This puts even more strain on his relationship with Roy and deepens his isolation.
Mustafa's Deportation
While Nimer faces his own challenges, Mustafa, living clandestinely, is forcibly deported back to the West Bank after failing to supply information. His deportation signifies the harsh realities the LGBTQ community faces in a turmoil-ridden context.
Tragic Loss
Nimer tragically witnesses the brutal torture and execution of Mustafa, who is targeted for both being homosexual and an informant. This event shatters Nimer's already precarious existence, driving home the dangers he faces.
Discovery and Escape
Nabil and his associates come across Nimer's photo on Mustafa's phone, increasing the risk to Nimer's life. Surprisingly, Nabil allows Nimer to escape, highlighting the conflicted nature of familial loyalty amidst conflict.
Seeking Refuge
Nimer finds temporary sanctuary at Roy's home, but danger looms as authorities seek him for questioning. The unresolved tensions related to Nabil's dealings complicate Nimer's fragile safety.
Plan to Escape
As the threat escalates, Roy formulates a risky plan for Nimer’s escape to France. Tapping into connections within the underworld linked to his law firm, he seeks a way out for Nimer while placing his own freedom on the line.
Roy's Sacrifice
In a moment of bravery, Roy distracts the police to facilitate Nimer's escape. This selfless act underscores the depth of his love and commitment to Nimer, even as it jeopardizes his own safety.
Setting Sail
Nimer boards a ship bound for France, starting a journey towards an uncertain future. As he departs, he remains unaware of the dire consequences that have befallen Roy, leaving behind everything he's known.
Characters
Nimer Mashrawi (Nicholas Jacob)
Nimer is a young Palestinian student navigating his identity in a world rife with conflict and prejudice. Characterized by his resilience, he struggles between his love for Roy and the societal expectations of his community. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he battles rejection from both sides, ultimately defining his sense of self amidst chaos.
Roy Scheffer (Michael Aloni)
Roy is a charismatic Jewish lawyer who becomes Nimer's love interest. He is portrayed as empathetic and courageous, willing to risk his own safety for love. Roy’s character embodies the complexities of interpersonal relationships set against a backdrop of societal discord, showcasing a willingness to challenge norms for personal connections.
Mustafa N'amnais (Loai Nofi)
Mustafa is Nimer's close friend who also faces dire consequences due to his sexual orientation and political stance. His character represents the struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals within oppressive regimes, highlighting the dangers faced by those who dare to be themselves. Despite his optimism, Mustafa’s fate serves as a grim reminder of the perilous realities in the region.
Nabil Mashrawi (Jamil Khoury)
Nabil, Nimer's brother, is drawn into dangerous activities, embodying the darker consequences of living in a conflict zone. Torn between familial loyalty and the consequences of his actions, Nabil’s character adds depth to the moral complexities faced by individuals. His choice to help Nimer signifies a glimmer of hope amid the turmoil.
Setting
Time period
The film unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting current socio-political issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It highlights ongoing struggles related to identity, acceptance, and the impact of community pressures. The narrative brings into focus the contemporary challenges faced by individuals in a time of growing tensions.
Location
Israel, Palestine, Tel Aviv, West Bank
The story takes place in the politically charged regions of Israel and Palestine, with a significant focus on Tel Aviv, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity. The backdrop of these regions highlights the complexities of their historical conflicts and societal divides. Tel Aviv serves as a contrasting refuge for those exploring their identities, while the West Bank symbolizes the struggles faced by the Palestinians.
Themes
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Love
At its core, the movie explores the theme of love transcending cultural and societal boundaries. The unlikely romance between Nimer and Roy showcases the complexities of love in the face of prejudice and rejection. Their relationship illuminates the struggle for acceptance in a world often divided by identity.
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Conflict
The narrative is deeply rooted in the theme of conflict, highlighting the internal and external struggles faced by individuals caught in geopolitical tensions. Nimer's challenges reflect the broader ideological battles between communities, showcasing how personal choices are influenced by societal expectations and strife. The film emphasizes the profound impacts of conflict on human connections and relationships.
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Identity
Identity emerges as a pivotal theme, as Nimer grapples with his sexual orientation amidst stark cultural divides. The film poignantly illustrates how identity can be both a source of strength and vulnerability, influencing personal relationships and societal interactions. It addresses the quest for self-acceptance in an environment where one's identity is often politicized and marginalized.
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