Theeb (2014)

Parkinson finds the film smart, enthralling and intelligently exciting. He particularly praises its confident exploration of the passing Bedouin nomadic way of life.

Weissberg calls the film a classic adventure and praises its well-told story and vivid performances. He especially singles out the stunning Jordanian landscapes, while noting that the score feels a little too Western.

The critic praises Theeb as a reverent, accomplished coming-of-age story and an arthouse gem. They single out the cinematography, score, and lead performance for making its desert setting and young protagonist compelling.

The critic finds the film austere and beautiful, praising its rare subaltern perspective and empathetic treatment of its characters. They also single out its subtle, nuanced handling of cultural contrasts and the frontier setting.

Abele calls the film a winning, tense coming-of-age adventure. He especially praises its desert cinematography and sound design, along with Jacir Eid’s natural performance.

The critic presents the film as a classic adventure, praising its eye-searing landscapes and fascinating historical setting. The review highlights the tale of innocence lost, with a young boy escorting a British officer through the Jordan desert during the First World War.

Ebiri finds the film’s coming-of-age story grounded, honest, and quietly suspenseful rather than mythic. He particularly praises its tactile, un-exoticized portrayal of the desert landscape and its people.

Ivanov finds the film confident and politically distinctive, with a story that repeatedly defies expectations. He especially praises its naturalistic atmosphere, which gives the desert journey a suffocating sense of verisimilitude.

McCahill finds the intimate survival drama powerful, though its narrative meanders before reaching its chastening conclusion. He praises Jacir Eid’s expressive performance and Wolfgang Thaler’s attentive camerawork.

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D’Angelo finds the adventure overly simplistic and poorly paced, despite its coming-of-age premise. He praises Jacir Eid’s screen presence but faults the film’s sparse, bloated storytelling and predictable emotional journey.

Neish gives the film an emphatically enthusiastic verdict, calling it an impressive and affecting adventure. He particularly praises the performances of its two young leads and the authenticity they bring to their characters and customs.

Fyvie calls the film a tense, beautiful coming-of-age adventure. He praises its elegant use of a steam train to connect modernity with moral decay.

Robertson finds the film affecting, forceful and worth watching, though he says audiences could use more context. He praises its measured storytelling and Wolfgang Thaler’s cinematography.

Brennan finds the film frustrating and underdeveloped despite its beauty, though he sees it as a fine start for its director. He praises the desert cinematography but criticizes the slow pacing and thin storyline.