Coming Soon: Sirât (2025) by Oliver Laxe

Sirât (2025) by Oliver Laxe: A Mystical Desert Odyssey of Sound and Self

Description: "Sirât" is a French-Spanish co-production directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Laxe. Premiering in competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the film is a mesmerizing and intensely sensory journey set in the Moroccan desert. It follows a father and son who venture into a world of underground desert raves, searching for a missing daughter/sister who vanished months prior. Blending the visceral energy of techno music with profound spiritual introspection, "Sirât" is a mythical odyssey that pushes its characters to their physical and metaphysical limits in a quest for connection and transcendence.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32298285/

Link Review: https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/sirat-review-oliver-laxes-long-strange-trip-stars-sergi-lopez/5205053.article

About movie: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/f/sirat/

Release Date on Streaming: No specific streaming release date has been announced. It will likely follow its theatrical release windows in various territories.

Theatrical Release:

• World Premiere: May 15, 2025, at the 78th Cannes Film Festival (In Competition).

• General theatrical release dates for Spain, France, and other territories are expected in late 2025 or early 2026, following its festival run.

Detailed Summary: "Sirât" opens with a visceral immersion into the world of illegal desert raves in southern Morocco, where thumping bass and electronic music create a hypnotic, almost tribal atmosphere. Into this raw, untamed landscape arrive a father (Sergi López) and his son (Bruno Núñez), carrying the heavy burden of a months-long search for their missing daughter/sister, Mar, who disappeared into this world of endless, sleepless parties. As they navigate the labyrinthine network of ravers and desolate expanses, handing out Mar's photo, hope slowly begins to fade. Their desperate quest leads them to follow a group of free-spirited individuals heading to "one last party" deeper in the burning wilderness. This journey becomes more than a physical search; it evolves into a spiritual and introspective odyssey. The characters are pushed to their absolute limits, confronting not only the harshness of the desert but also their own internal landscapes. Laxe masterfully uses sound design, blending the pulsating techno beats with ambient and esoteric elements to create an immersive experience that mirrors the characters' journey from the external desert to an inner, metaphorical one. The film delves into themes of familial bonds, loss, transcendence, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels at the edge of the apocalypse, all presented through a lens that feels both mythical and strikingly contemporary, drawing parallels to allegories like "Dune" and "Mad Max" but with a more spiritual, grounded approach.

Plot Summary:

• A father and son arrive at illegal desert raves in southern Morocco.

• They are searching for Mar, their daughter/sister, who disappeared months ago at one of these parties.

• Hope diminishes as they continue their search, showing Mar's photo to various ravers.

• They decide to follow a group of ravers heading to a final, more remote party in the desert.

• The journey becomes a physically and emotionally challenging odyssey, pushing them to their limits.

• The film explores their internal struggles and transformations amidst the harsh, mystical landscape.

• It culminates in a profound, spiritual experience, although the specific outcome of their search for Mar is interwoven with the broader themes of transcendence and self-discovery.

Director's Vision: Oliver Laxe continues his exploration of mysticism, borders, and human introspection with "Sirât." He describes the film as a "spiritual road movie" and a "rite of passage," where characters are "stripped-down, annihilated" and forced to "look inward." Laxe aimed for "Sirât" to be his most contemporary and accessible film, blending arthouse sensibilities with elements from popular cinema, specifically citing influences like "Dune" and "Mad Max," but reinterpreting them in a "spiritual, introspective and pre-apocalyptic context." He intentionally used non-professional actors, some with visible disabilities, valuing their authentic presence. Sound design is paramount to his vision, working with David Letellier (Kangding Ray) to create a score that moves from "tribal, grounded beats to something increasingly transcendent and stripped-down," mirroring the characters' internal and external desert journeys. Laxe sees the rave scenes not as commercial events but as a "communion of scars," reflecting a deeper truth about human experience and the embrace of imperfection.

Themes:

• Spiritual Journey and Transcendence: The physical journey through the desert becomes a metaphor for an internal, spiritual quest, exploring what it means to push human limits and connect with something beyond the material world.

• Loss and Familial Bonds: The central motivation of the father and son is the search for a lost family member, highlighting the enduring pain of absence and the power of familial love.

• The Clash of Worlds (Ancient vs. Modern, Sacred vs. Profane): The film juxtaposes ancient, mystical desert landscapes with modern rave culture, exploring how spiritual longing can manifest in unexpected contemporary settings.

• The Power of Sound and Sensory Experience: Laxe uses sound design not merely as an accompaniment but as a narrative and thematic element, immersing the audience in the characters' experience and facilitating their journey toward altered states of consciousness.

• The Human Condition at the Edge: The characters are pushed to their physical and emotional breaking points, forcing them to confront their vulnerability, resilience, and fundamental nature.

Key Success Factors:

• Oliver Laxe's Acclaimed Filmmaking: Laxe is a Cannes regular with a history of winning prestigious awards, bringing significant artistic credibility and anticipation to "Sirât."

• Unique Premise: The blend of desert odyssey, rave culture, and spiritual quest offers a fresh and intriguing narrative concept.

• Visceral Cinematography and Sound Design: The film's immersive audiovisual experience is a major draw, promising a powerful sensory journey for audiences.

• Exploration of Contemporary Spirituality: Taps into a broader interest in alternative forms of spirituality and meaning-making in a modern world.

• International Co-production: The French-Spanish collaboration broadens its reach and resources.

Summary Short: Oliver Laxe's "Sirât" is a critically acclaimed 2025 Cannes Competition film, a hypnotic desert odyssey where a father and son search for their lost daughter amidst Moroccan raves, exploring spiritual transcendence through powerful sound and stunning visuals.

Awards and Nominations:

• 78th Cannes Film Festival (2025): Official Selection, In Competition for the Palme d'Or.

• 78th Cannes Film Festival (2025): Jury Prize (Won).

• 78th Cannes Film Festival (2025): Cannes Soundtrack Prize (Won).

• Oliver Laxe has a strong track record at Cannes: FIPRESCI Prize for "You All Are Captains" (2010), Critics' Week Grand Prize for "Mimosas" (2016), and Un Certain Regard Jury Prize for "Fire Will Come" (2019). "Sirât" further solidifies his standing.

Critics Reception: Early critical reception for "Sirât" from its Cannes premiere has been largely very positive, with particular praise for its immersive qualities and unique blend of spiritual and contemporary themes.

• BFI (Mark Asch, Sight and Sound): Describes "Sirât" as a "thrilling desert parable" and an "auditory feast" that should be "consumed at maximum volume." Praises Laxe's ability to create a "sensorily told and intuitively narrated parable... roughly concerned with humankind's relationship to the sublime." Notes the use of nonprofessional actors and the "high-degree-of-difficulty shoot" yielding "gorgeous visual rewards."

• Variety (Ben Croll): An early headline, "Oliver Laxe Sees 'Sirat' as Accessible Art With a Tribal Beat," suggests a positive view on its unique blend of arthouse and popular appeal.

• The Hollywood Reporter (Review TBD): Early buzz from the festival suggests strong critical interest and likely positive reviews.

• Sortiraparis.com: Gives a positive verdict, noting its official competition status and the Cannes Soundtrack Prize win, indicating a strong audiovisual experience.

• World of Reel: Highlights its "mystical odyssey in the desert" and "deep dive into mysticism and the human psyche," with the "thumping pulse of a Moroccan rave."

Reviews (Overall Summary): "Sirât" is being hailed by critics as a powerful and unique cinematic experience. Reviewers are particularly captivated by its extraordinary sound design, immersive visuals of the Moroccan desert, and Laxe's ability to fuse a seemingly contemporary narrative (rave culture) with profound, spiritual, and mythical themes. The film is praised for its ability to transport the audience, its distinctive rhythm, and its exploration of the human spirit pushed to its limits. Its Jury Prize win at Cannes further underlines its critical recognition and artistic merit.

Box Office: As a 2025 Cannes premiere, "Sirât" has not yet had a wide theatrical release, so traditional box office figures are not available. Its success will be determined by its performance in subsequent theatrical runs in various territories after its festival circuit. Its acquisition by Mubi for several key territories indicates a strong potential for a successful curated release on their platform globally.

Production: "Sirât" is a French-Spanish co-production. Principal photography took place in the challenging conditions of the Moroccan desert, particularly during the hot months of May to July, facing sandstorms and intense heat. Laxe noted the brutal nature of the shoot but felt the difficulty contributed to the film's emotional texture. The film features both professional actors like Sergi López and non-professional actors, some with visible disabilities, chosen for their authentic presence. The sound design, crafted with David Letellier (Kangding Ray), was a central element from the outset.

Production Companies:

• El Deseo (Spain) - Pedro Almodóvar, Agustín Almodóvar, Esther García

• Filmes Da Ermida (Spain) - Xavi Font, Oliver Laxe

• Uri Films (Spain) - Oriol Maymó

• 4A4 Productions (France) - Mani Mortazavi, Andrea Queralt

• Movistar Plus+ (Spain) - Domingo Corral, Fran Araújo (Associate), Guillermo Farré (Associate)

Sales Companies:

• The Match Factory (Germany) - Handles international sales. (Note: Mubi, who owns The Match Factory, has acquired distribution rights for several territories).

Distribution Companies:

• Mubi (International) - Acquired rights for Italy, Turkey, India, and potentially other territories including North America and the U.K./Ireland.

• Filmax (Spain) - Spanish distributor (likely for theatrical release).

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• For Fans of Visionary Arthouse Cinema: If you appreciate directors who push cinematic boundaries and explore deep, complex themes, "Sirât" offers a unique and immersive experience.

• Exceptional Sensory Experience: The film's acclaimed sound design and stunning desert visuals make it a must-see for those who value cinema as an audiovisual art form.

• Thought-Provoking Exploration of Modern Spirituality: It offers a fresh perspective on how ancient spiritual quests can manifest in contemporary settings.

• Oliver Laxe's Track Record: His consistent critical success and distinct style guarantee a film of high artistic merit.

• Cannes Jury Prize Winner: Its significant award at Cannes immediately places it among the year's most important films.

Why to Watch Movie:

• To be Transported: The film aims to be an immersive, almost trance-like experience, pulling you into its unique world.

• If you are intrigued by the intersection of culture, music, and spirituality: "Sirât" fascinatingly blends rave culture with a deeper, existential search.

• For an unconventional and challenging narrative: Laxe's films often forgo traditional plot structures for more experiential storytelling.

• To witness powerful performances: The cast, both professional and non-professional, brings a raw authenticity to the characters.

• If you're seeking a film that defies easy categorization: It's a blend of drama, spiritual journey, and sensory exploration.

What Movie Trend Film is Following:

• "Transcendental Environmental Cinema" / "Spiritual Wilderness Journey": Laxe's work consistently explores themes of humanity's relationship with nature and the sacred, often within harsh or remote landscapes. "Sirât" continues this, using the desert as a canvas for a spiritual, almost pre-apocalyptic narrative, echoing recent trends in films that blend ecological concerns with existential or mystical journeys.

What Big Social Trend is Following:

• "Search for Meaning in a Disenchanted World / Post-Rave Spiritualism": The film taps into a contemporary social trend of individuals seeking deeper meaning, connection, and spiritual experiences outside traditional institutions, often finding it in counter-cultural movements like underground rave scenes. It reflects a disillusionment with conventional paths and a longing for something more primal and transcendent in a rapidly changing world.

Final Verdict: "Sirât" stands as a testament to Oliver Laxe's distinct and powerful cinematic vision. It's an ambitious, demanding, and ultimately deeply rewarding film that transcends conventional storytelling. By weaving a personal quest for a lost loved one into a broader, mystical journey through a meticulously crafted sensory landscape of desert and sound, Laxe creates an experience that is both visceral and profoundly introspective. Its critical acclaim and Jury Prize win at Cannes highlight its significance and originality, making it a must-see for those who seek more from cinema than mere entertainment.

Recommendations for Filmmakers:

• Embrace Sensory Storytelling: Prioritize sound design and cinematography to create an immersive experience that complements the narrative, making the film felt as much as it is understood.

• Integrate Environment as a Character: Allow the chosen location to actively shape the characters' journeys and the film's thematic depth, rather than serving as a mere backdrop.

• Push Thematic Boundaries: Don't shy away from complex, spiritual, or existential themes, even when working within seemingly contemporary settings or genres.

• Consider Non-Professional Actors: Authentic faces and lived experiences can bring a raw, compelling realism to characters that professional actors might not capture.

• Dare to Be Different: Laxe's success lies in his unique, uncompromising artistic vision. Filmmakers should be encouraged to explore their own distinctive voices rather than adhering strictly to commercial formulas.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Champion Unique Voices: Continue to support and distribute films by directors like Oliver Laxe who consistently deliver singular, artistically ambitious works that push the boundaries of cinema.

• Recognize the Value of Festival Platforms: Festivals like Cannes are crucial for showcasing and validating films that might not fit traditional commercial models, helping them find international audiences and distributors.

• Invest in Technical Excellence: The industry should recognize and reward films that demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship in areas like sound design and cinematography, as these elements can elevate a film's impact and appeal.

• Market Beyond Genre: For films that blend genres or defy easy categorization, distributors should focus on marketing their unique artistic qualities and thematic depth to attract the right audiences.

• Support International Co-productions: These collaborations are vital for enabling diverse stories and artistic visions to come to fruition, benefiting from varied funding sources and wider market access.