Theeb Film Difficulty Ranking: 3
Meet Theeb and Hussein, two Bedoiun brothers living in the Arabian desert during the First World War. Their lives are relatively peaceful until an Englishman appears from the desert and drags them into the violence of the war.
From: Jordan, Asia
Watch: Trailer, Amazon Rent, Amazon Buy
Next: Lawrence of Arabia, Mimosas, Rabbit Proof Fence
Why Watch Theeb?
- To experience the timelessness of the desert
- Meet some Bedoiun tribesman
- Witness where loyalties lie in places where nations don’t reach – Brotherhood vs. Nationality
- Experience the violence of war and humanity
The Breakdown
The first thing we see in this film is a boy, Theeb, in the desert staring at a tomb stone with his family’s emblem engraved on it. After a brief pause, he walks away with his donkey back to his tent. He’s the youngest son of this particular Bedouin tribe, and the gravestone is for his father, who recently passed away. You learn all of this from overhearing the conversations between the elders and the visitor that arrives unexpectedly at their tent.
At night, Theeb’s brother suddenly jumps up from the floor and looks out into the darkness. He orders everyone to be quiet and walks out into the darkness. We momentarily lose sight of him, and doubts fill our mind whether he will come back into the light, but after a few seconds he re-emerges with 2 men. One of them another tribesman and the other a white Englishman.
The white Englishman a bad omen because he brings the Great War to them. He has come to find a guide to traverse the desert and Theeb and his brother are the only people who can help him.
Brotherhood vs. Nationality
Whilst the Englishman fights for his nation, Theeb, his brother, and the people they meet are largely fighting for themselves and their tribes. They openly welcome anyone that visits and run away from anyone who causes them trouble regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or race. Nationhood does not exist in the Arabian deserts, only small tribes and families.
Theeb and his brother never grasp what the Englishman is after. They don’t know why he keeps a locked box which he shouts at them to stay away from. It is only at the end that we see the flags of the Ottoman Empire (the opposition) and the box is opened that Theeb finally grasps what nationhood is, and the violence it has caused.
What to Watch Next
If you’re looking for more desert adventures, check out David Lean’s classic Lawrence of Arabia. It also takes place in the Arabian desert during the First World War. You should also check out Mimosas from Morocco. It’s time traveling narrative takes place in the solace of the arid Atlas Mountains where you’ll see epic scenery just like in Theeb.
You could also check out Rabbit Proof Fence if you’re looking for another coming-of-age dangerous journey. It follows 3 kids as they walk across the Australian outback trying to find their way home.
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