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Movie of the Day: Layla (2024) by Amrou Al-Kadhi

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Apr 27
  • 8 min read

"Layla (2024)" by Amrou Al-Kadhi: A Vibrant Queer Love Story Explores Identity and Desire

Amrou Al-Kadhi's feature directorial debut, "Layla" (2024), is a compelling and visually vibrant drama, romance, and comedy that delves into the complexities of love and self-discovery through the eyes of a non-binary British-Palestinian drag queen in London. Written also by Al-Kadhi, the film draws on personal experiences to offer an authentic and nuanced portrayal of intersectional identity and the search for belonging.

About Movie (Detailed Summary)

"Layla" introduces us to Layla (Bilal Hasna), a struggling Arab drag queen in London who projects an image of confidence and fearlessness that masks a deep-seated desire for love. After a provocative performance at a corporate Pride event, Layla captures the attention of Max (Louis Greatorex), a marketing executive. What follows is an intoxicating romance that sweeps Layla off their feet. As their relationship intensifies, Layla begins to navigate the complexities of balancing their life as a drag performer, their cultural background, their queer community, and their burgeoning feelings for Max. The film explores the internal conflict Layla faces, questioning whether they are compromising their true identity to maintain Max's affection and fit into his world. Set against the backdrop of London's queer scene and touching upon themes of family and cultural expectations, "Layla" is a story about the transformative power of love, the challenges of self-acceptance, and the journey to becoming truly comfortable in one's own skin. It's a proud queer love story that is both joyful and emotionally resonant, showcasing the vibrant energy of drag while also exploring the vulnerabilities beneath the surface.

Plot Summary

A non-binary Arab drag queen in London falls into an intense romance with a marketing executive, prompting them to confront their identity and whether they are changing themselves for love.

Director's Vision

Amrou Al-Kadhi, a British-Iraqi non-binary drag performer, writer, and filmmaker, infused "Layla" with their personal experiences and perspective. Their vision was to create a film that is an unapologetic celebration of queer Arab lives and a hopeful antidote to stereotypical portrayals. Drawing on their background in drag, Al-Kadhi aimed for a visually heightened and dynamic film, blending elements of queer cinema, art house, Arab soap opera melodrama, and British romantic comedy to create what they describe as a "vibrant drag fairytale." The film intentionally explores the contradictions within the queer experience and how the pursuit of love can sometimes lead individuals to compromise aspects of their identity. Al-Kadhi sought to tell a universal story about the fight to be true to oneself, hoping to foster empathy for Layla as a complex and flawed human being rather than a victim or villain. They also aimed to provide much-needed joyous and three-dimensional representation for queer and Arab individuals in media.

Themes

  • Queer Identity and Self-Acceptance: The film explores Layla's journey of embracing their non-binary identity amidst external and internal pressures.

  • Intersectional Identity: The narrative delves into the complexities of navigating both Arab and queer identities.

  • Love and Compromise: The film examines how falling in love can lead to questions of self and whether one is changing to fit another's expectations.

  • The Power of Drag: Drag is portrayed as a medium of self-expression, transformation, and finding one's truth.

  • Belonging and Community: The film highlights the importance of finding and being accepted within a supportive community.

  • Cultural Expectations vs. Personal Desire: Layla navigates the tensions between familial and cultural norms and their authentic self.

  • Challenging Stereotypes: The film actively works to counter reductive or negative portrayals of Arab and queer individuals in media.

Key Success Factors

"Layla" has achieved notable success for a debut feature, attributed to:

  • Authentic and Unique Voice: Amrou Al-Kadhi's personal connection to the story and distinct perspective resonate strongly.

  • Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film addresses contemporary issues of LGBTQ+ identity, cultural representation, and the search for acceptance.

  • Compelling Performances: Bilal Hasna's breakout performance as Layla has been widely praised for its depth and nuance.

  • Positive Critical Reception: A strong Rotten Tomatoes score and positive reviews from various publications indicate critical acclaim.

  • Successful Festival Run: Premiering at Sundance and screening at other major international festivals provided significant exposure and built buzz.

  • Visually Engaging Style: Al-Kadhi's blend of genres and visually dynamic approach contributes to a memorable cinematic experience.

  • Addressing Underrepresentation: The film fills a gap in representation for queer Arab stories on screen.

Summary Short

Amrou Al-Kadhi's "Layla (2024)" is a British drama about a non-binary Arab drag queen in London who falls in love, leading to a journey of self-discovery and navigating identity amidst romance and community.

Awards and Nominations

"Layla (2024)" has received recognition on the international film festival circuit:

  • Nominated for the Orizzonti Award for Best Film at the Venice International Film Festival in 2024.

  • The film has received a total of 6 nominations according to IMDb.

Specific details for all 6 nominations were not fully available in the provided search snippets.

Critics Reception

Critical reception for "Layla" has been generally positive, with many praising its fresh perspective, authentic portrayal of identity, and the strength of its lead performance.

  • Rotten Tomatoes: Holds a "Fresh" score of 88% based on 25 critic reviews, with an average rating of 6.5/10.

  • IMDb User Rating: Stands at 6.1/10 based on 40 ratings.

  • Screen International (Fionnuala Halligan): Described the film as a "tender yearning," praising Al-Kadhi's direction.

  • IndieWire (Ryan Lattanzio): Called it an "exuberant appreciation of queer life," highlighting its charm and confident direction, though noting it "skims the surface of weightier issues."

  • The Times (Kevin Maher): Offered a negative review, calling it a "flimsy, awkward drag queen love story" with "sub-Oprah sentiment."

  • Pink News (Emily Maskell): Praised Al-Kadhi as an "exciting new voice in British cinema" and the film for celebrating "drag's transformative and endless potential."

  • Sight and Sound (Clara Bradbury-Rance): Described it as a "vibrant drag fairytale" and a "beautifully observed narrative of love, sex, gender and friendship," highlighting Bilal Hasna's "extraordinary expressive range."

  • The Asian Cut (Review): Found it a "tender hand and comforting shoulder," praising the depiction of the queer friend group and the chemistry between the leads, though feeling some conflicts felt manufactured.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: "Layla" is largely seen by critics as a sensitive, well-acted, and important debut feature that brings a fresh and authentic voice to queer and Arab representation on screen. Its blend of genres and exploration of intersectional identity have been appreciated, though some felt the romantic plot was less compelling than the themes of identity and community.

Reviews

Reviews for "Layla" consistently highlight Bilal Hasna's captivating performance as the titular character, praising their ability to convey both Layla's performative confidence and underlying vulnerability. Critics have also commended Amrou Al-Kadhi's direction for creating a visually rich and emotionally resonant film that navigates complex themes with empathy. The film's portrayal of queer spaces and the supportive drag community has been positively noted. While the central romance received some mixed opinions, the film's broader exploration of identity, cultural background, and the journey to self-acceptance has resonated strongly with reviewers.

Box Office

As of late April 2025, "Layla (2024)" has a reported worldwide box office gross of approximately $79,898 according to IMDb. This figure reflects its limited theatrical releases in the UK and US and its festival run.

Production

"Layla (2024)" is a British production, with support from prominent UK film bodies. Directed and written by Amrou Al-Kadhi, the film was produced by Savannah James-Bayly for Fox Cub Films. Executive producers include representatives from Film4 and the BFI, as well as Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker from Significant Productions. Principal photography took place in East London over six weeks. The film features a diverse cast, with Bilal Hasna in the lead role.

Production Companies

  • BFI (British Film Institute): (Country: United Kingdom) - Funder and executive producer.

  • Film4: (Country: United Kingdom) - Funder and executive producer, holds UK and Ireland TV distribution rights.

  • Fox Cub Films: (Country: United Kingdom) - Production company.

  • Significant Productions: (Country: United States) - Executive producer (associated with Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker).

Distribution Companies

  • Curzon Films: (Country: United Kingdom) - Theatrical distributor in the UK.

  • Film4: (Country: United Kingdom) - Holds UK and Ireland TV distribution rights.

  • Gravitas Ventures (US)

Theatrical Release

"Layla (2024)" had its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024. It had a theatrical release in the United Kingdom starting on November 22, 2024, distributed by Curzon Films. The film also had a theatrical release in the United States starting on March 28, 2025. It has screened at numerous international film festivals throughout 2024 and 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie

  • Authentic and Moving LGBTQ+ Story: Offers a heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of a queer romance and journey of self-discovery.

  • Important Representation: Features a non-binary Arab protagonist, contributing to increased diversity on screen.

  • Insightful Exploration of Identity: Delves into the complexities of navigating multiple cultural and personal identities.

  • Visually Vibrant and Engaging: Al-Kadhi's directorial style brings the world of drag and London to life.

  • Critically Acclaimed: The film has received positive reviews and festival recognition.

Why to Watch Movie

  • Interest in LGBTQ+ Cinema: To see a contemporary and authentic queer love story.

  • To Support Diverse Filmmaking: The film represents an exciting new voice and perspective in British cinema.

  • Curiosity About Drag Culture: The film offers a look into the world of drag performance and community.

  • For a Film That Blends Genres: If you appreciate movies that combine drama, romance, and comedy with unique stylistic elements.

  • To See a Breakout Performance: Bilal Hasna's lead role has been highly praised.

What Movie Trend film is following

"Layla" aligns with the growing trend of LGBTQ+ cinema that moves beyond coming-out narratives to explore the complexities of love, relationships, and identity within the queer community. Its focus on an intersectional identity (non-binary, Arab, British) reflects a trend towards more nuanced and diverse representation in film. The film's blend of genres and its visually distinct style connect it to a trend of genre bending and art-house filmmaking that is both personal and politically relevant. Its journey through major film festivals before theatrical release is also a common path for independent and critically acclaimed films.

What Big Social Trend is following

The film directly engages with the increasing social awareness and discussion around gender identity and non-binary experiences. It contributes to the broader social trend of demanding and creating more inclusive and authentic representation for marginalized communities in media. The film also touches upon the ongoing conversation about cultural identity and the experiences of immigrants and individuals from minority backgrounds in Western societies, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the richness of diverse lives.

Final Verdict

Amrou Al-Kadhi's "Layla (2024)" is a significant and captivating debut feature that brings a fresh and vital perspective to the screen. Through the compelling character of Layla, the film beautifully explores the intersection of queer identity, cultural background, and the universal search for love and self-acceptance. While navigating the complexities of a new romance, Layla's journey is a poignant reminder of the power of embracing one's true self. With strong performances, particularly by Bilal Hasna, a visually engaging style, and a heartfelt narrative, "Layla" has rightfully earned critical acclaim and festival recognition. It stands as an important contribution to LGBTQ+ and Arab representation in cinema and is a highly recommended watch for anyone seeking a moving, authentic, and ultimately hopeful story about love and identity in the modern world.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

  • Tell Authentic Stories from Underrepresented Perspectives: Utilize personal experiences and cultural backgrounds to create unique and impactful narratives.

  • Embrace Genre Blending and Stylistic Innovation: Don't be afraid to combine different film styles and genres to create a visually and tonally rich experience.

  • Focus on Nuanced Character Portrayals: Develop complex characters who defy stereotypes and allow actors to explore a range of emotions.

  • Seek Out Festival Platforms for Exposure: Film festivals are crucial for launching independent and diverse films and gaining critical attention.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

  • Support and Fund Films from Diverse Voices: Actively invest in projects from filmmakers with marginalized identities and unique cultural backgrounds.

  • Champion Stories with Intersectional Themes: Recognize the importance of narratives that explore the complexities of multiple identities.

  • Promote Authentic Representation: Ensure that films accurately and respectfully portray diverse communities and experiences.

  • Facilitate Distribution for Independent and LGBTQ+ Films: Work to bring these important stories to wider audiences through various theatrical and streaming platforms.


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