Exploring 'Les silences de Riyad': A Saudi Thriller with a Feminine Perspective
Haifaa Al Mansour's film 'Les silences de Riyad' explores the complexities of women's roles in Saudi society through a gripping police investigation, offering a unique perspective on the country's evolving norms.
In the realm of Saudi cinema, the film Les silences de Riyad, directed by Haifaa Al Mansour, emerges as a significant contribution, albeit not reaching the heights of her previous works, Wadjda and The Perfect Candidate. This thriller, which unfolds against the backdrop of evolving societal norms in Saudi Arabia, delves into a police investigation that is both gripping and reflective of the challenges faced by women in the region.
Set in 2026, the film follows Nawal, a young police officer in Riyadh, who becomes engrossed in the mysterious case of an unidentified teenage girl found dead in the desert. With no one reporting her missing, the investigation quickly stalls, but Nawal, driven by her own personal losses and a sense of duty, refuses to let the case go cold. As she digs deeper, she uncovers unsettling truths that challenge her understanding of her society.
Film Details
- Original Title: Unidentified
- Director: Haifaa Al Mansour
- Screenplay: Haifaa Al Mansour, Brad Niemann
- Cast: Mila Al Zahrani, Aziz Gharbawi, Shafi Al Harthy
- Distributor: KMBO
- Duration: 1h40
- Genre: Thriller
- Release Date: August 5, 2026
Rating: 3.5/5
The narrative of Les silences de Riyad is enriched by Al Mansour's experiences as a filmmaker in a country where women's rights have historically been limited. The film is part of a trilogy featuring strong female protagonists, with Wadjda and The Perfect Candidate also highlighting the struggles of women against oppressive societal norms. Al Mansour's storytelling is adept at weaving subtle social critiques into the fabric of thrilling plots, showcasing the duality of modernity and traditionalism in Saudi society.
Nawal, portrayed with nuance by Mila Al Zahrani, is a recently divorced woman grappling with the loss of her infant daughter. Her role in the police department involves digitizing old case files, but her curiosity leads her to overhear conversations about the unidentified girl. Her interest may stem from a myriad of emotions — a mix of solidarity with the victim, her own grief, or perhaps a deeper motivation yet to be revealed. Throughout her investigation, the film highlights the alarming reality of young girls disappearing in a society where such occurrences often go unnoticed.
Al Mansour cleverly incorporates societal observations into the film, portraying a world where the presence of God is felt in everyday life, yet juxtaposed with the opulence of luxury cars and high-end boutiques. This duality reflects a society that is simultaneously modern and regressive, especially regarding women's roles. While Les silences de Riyad may not achieve the same acclaim as Al Mansour's earlier films, it serves as a crucial commentary on the ongoing evolution of women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, making it a noteworthy addition to the cinematic landscape.
