In “Three,” which will be available in 2024, Nayla Al Khaja combines psychological horror with an unnerving ghost story, making her mark as a feature film director. Al Khaja co-wrote the film with Ben Williams and John Collee, and it attempts to tackle issues of mental illness, cultural views, and supernatural elements.
Synopsis:
A young boy named Ahmed is going through a grave mental health crisis. His mother, Maryam, hoping to help, turns to an unorthodox approach—she meets with a Westerner who must abandon his skepticism concerning Ahmed’s culture in order to aid the boy. Their journey blurs the lines between the world of spirituality and science, spiraling down to the depths of how far a mother is willing to go for the sake of her sick child.
Cast:
Jefferson Hall as the Westerner
Faten Ahmed as Maryam
Saud Alzarooni as Ahmed
Noura Alabed in a supporting role
Themes and Style:
In “Three,” Western psychiatric medicine intersects with Middle Eastern religion, creating a stunning work filled with supernatural horror. It is also known for its overwhelming buildup of tension throughout the film, as it lacks typical Western spooks and instead offers a suffocating sense of dread that resonates powerfully. It’s hauntingly beautiful score by Vladimir Persan and Pantawit Kiangsiri adds to the eerie, unsettling atmosphere of the movie.
Critical Reception:
The film debuted at the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2023, where critics praised its fresh take on the horror genre and the insightful examination of cultural relations.
The absence of traditional horror elements did not impede Al Khaja’s direction, as noted in her suspense-building reviews with The National (UAE) and Cinemacy, which praised the merger of Eastern and Western ideologies alongside the delicate approach towards religion.
Director’s Vision:
Nayla Al Khaja, the first female filmmaker from the United Arab Emirates, places her unique mark on “Three”. She works towards showcasing genuine stories from her culture as a horror experience that attempts to unite different beliefs. Al Khaja stresses telling stories from and about the UAE, portraying it as a melting pot of cultures by showing its relevance in modern global discourse.
Conclusion:
Nayla Al Khaja’s “Three” marks a new phenomena in contemporary horror cinema as it offers multi-layered psychological and cultural analysis, deepening the genre. With her directorial debut, she not only broadens the scope of regional cinema, but also sets an example of diverse perspectives in international cinema.
