Material

Watch Material

  • 2011
  • 10 min

Material is a 2012 drama film written and directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker, Adeyemi Michael. The movie takes place in London and explores the life and struggles of a British Muslim family of Pakistani origin, specifically their eldest son, a young man named Ali. Ali, played by British actor, Vinette Robinson, is a university-educated man who works at his father's textile store in East London. He is caught between two worlds, that of his traditional Muslim family and the fast-paced, secular world of his friends and colleagues in the retail industry. Ali must navigate the complexities of his family's expectations and his own aspirations for a life of personal and professional fulfillment.

As the movie begins, Ali's father, Rafi (Sufyan Atteshi) is diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening illness. This revelation prompts Ali to re-evaluate his life, his career, and his relationships with family and friends. The film explores Ali's struggle to balance his desire for personal growth and fulfilment with his obligations to his family, community, and religion.

Throughout the movie, Ali faces a number of conflicts and challenging situations, including pressure from his father to take over the family business and the expectations of his sister, Tahara (Ayesha Dharker), to uphold traditional Muslim values. At the same time, Ali is faced with the task of reconciling his faith with his friendships and romantic relationships, particularly with his long-term girlfriend, Jess (Georgia Groome).

As Ali navigates these challenges, the movie offers a nuanced portrayal of British Muslim identity, culture and religion by situating these themes within the broader context of contemporary British society. Material is a thoughtful and thought-provoking film that addresses complex issues of identity, tradition, and modernity, set against the backdrop of a vibrant and diverse London.

The performances in Material are strong across the board, with Robinson delivering a standout performance as the conflicted Ali. The film also features powerful performances from Dharker and Atteshi, whose portrayal of a Muslim father struggling to reconcile his own cultural values with modern British life provides one of the film's most poignant moments.

In terms of its visual aesthetics, Material is a stylish and visually striking movie. The film's use of color and composition is particularly impressive, with director Adeyemi Michael employing a bold and vibrant visual palette that contrasts beautifully with the more somber themes and subject matter of the film.

Overall, Material is a compelling and insightful drama that offers a refreshing and nuanced look at contemporary British Muslim identity. With its strong performances, gorgeous visuals, and intelligent script, the movie is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of multicultural identity and the challenges of navigating the different cultural worlds we inhabit.

In conclusion, Material is a well-crafted film that offers a compelling and insightful look at British Muslim identity and the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities. With its strong performances, thoughtful script, and beautiful visuals, the movie is a valuable contribution to the canon of contemporary independent British film.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2011
  • Runtime
    10 min
  • Language
    English