I've seen some incredible child acting performances over the years, most notably Leonardo DiCaprio in Gilbert Grape, Justin Henry in Kramer vs Kramer and Tatum O'Neal in Paper Moon. However, what Zain Al Rafeea achieves in this devastating movie is arguably on another level altogether. It should not be possible for a boy of 12 to be able to convey emotions in such a nuanced and delicate manner. It was genuinely astounding to witness. The fact that he was not a trained actor just makes it all the more incredible.
Al Rafeea's brilliance is made possible by the phenomenal direction and writing of Nadine Labaki. Capharnaum is a truly heartbreaking piece of cinema that manages to convey the sheer horror of the subject matter without laying it on too thick or labouring it's point.
Al Rafeea's brilliance is made possible by the phenomenal direction and writing of Nadine Labaki. Capharnaum is a truly heartbreaking piece of cinema that manages to convey the sheer horror of the subject matter without laying it on too thick or labouring it's point.