Watch Naz & Maalik

Naz & Maalik is a thought-provoking independent film that follows the story of two quiet and introverted Muslim teens, Naz (Kerwin Johnson Jr.) and Maalik (Curtiss Cook Jr.), who are secretly in a romantic relationship. Set in the backdrop of New York City, the movie explores their lives, relationships, and experiences as gay Muslims against the backdrop of the post-9/11 surveillance state.

The film immerses us in the daily lives of Naz and Maalik as they go about their day selling lottery tickets and conducting other small businesses in their predominantly African-American and Muslim neighborhood in Brooklyn. Despite facing the usual challenges of being black and Muslim in an increasingly hostile environment, the two best friends are focused on their studies and trying to save enough money to flee the city together.

Their lives take an unexpected turn when an undercover FBI agent (Annie Grier) begins following them under suspicion of having ties to terrorism. The two friends find themselves caught in the middle of an investigation as the agent tries to entrap them by asking them incriminating questions about their religious beliefs and political views. As they try to navigate the complicated and paranoid world of FBI surveillance, Naz and Maalik must also confront their own vulnerabilities and fears about being gay in a community where homosexuality is taboo.

The film's strength lies in its minimalist style and nuanced performances by the two lead actors. Director Jay Dockendorf eschews the usual melodrama and sensationalism that often accompanies LGBTQ themes and instead opts for a quiet and introspective approach, allowing the characters to express themselves in their own ways. The film also raises important questions about privacy, surveillance, and freedom of expression, particularly as it relates to Muslim communities in America.

The relationship between Naz and Maalik is particularly touching, as we see them struggling to reconcile their love for each other with their devotion to Islam. The tension between their sexual desires and religious beliefs is palpable, and the actors do a great job conveying the emotional turmoil that comes with such conflicting identities. It's clear that the bond between the two is deep and genuine, as they support each other through their personal trials and tribulations.

The film also touches on other themes such as gentrification, racism, and police brutality, which are all too familiar to anyone living in New York City. The film's portrayal of the tensions that arise between different communities, particularly in the wake of 9/11, is nuanced and realistic. The characters are not caricatures but instead are fully fleshed out individuals with their own unique perspectives and histories.

Despite its many strengths, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing is slow at times, and the lack of a clear resolution may frustrate some viewers. The FBI agent's story arc also feels like it was not fully developed, and her motivations are left somewhat ambiguous. Some may also find the film too understated, preferring a more overtly political or sentimental approach to such a sensitive topic.

Overall, Naz & Maalik is a powerful and timely film that shines a light on the struggles of LGBTQ Muslims in America. The movie is both heartfelt and thought-provoking, and is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. The film is a testament to the perseverance and resilience of marginalized communities, and is a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in these divisive times.

Naz & Maalik is a 2016 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 65.