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The Forgiven poster

The Forgiven (2022)

2022 • 1h 57m • Drama • R
On September 22, 2026
#7895459
7895th by Pulse movie online
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CinemaSerf on The Forgiven

6/10 · Sep 8, 2022

The movie has a respectable ensemble, but ultimately feels like a slight tale. It focuses on a party hosted by the flamboyant gay couple Richard (Matt Smith) and Dally (Caleb Landry Jones), situated in the Moroccan desert. Attending this gathering are Jo (Jessica Chastain) and her somewhat intoxicated husband David (Ralph Fiennes). During their journey, a young boy named Driss is struck and killed by their car. The process of returning his body to his family introduces David to the local customs and culture surrounding grief – specifically, a tradition that requires him to visit the boy’s home and meet his father in an attempt at reconciliation. Meanwhile, Jo remains with the hosts and enjoys herself with Tom (Christopher Abbott). There are certainly some striking visuals showcasing the setting where these people reside, and the film provides a chance to see how the carefree lifestyles of Richard and Dally and their diverse circle of friends interacts with the established traditions of their community. This allows for some attractive actors to be seen in revealing clothing throughout much of the movie, but the story itself is rather thin. Fiennes does an adequate job as a weary drunkard, while the rest of the performers are forgettable—a common occurrence with Smith, who tends to be overpraised. The conclusion is also quite unsatisfying. Running close to two hours, it feels excessively long; the limited plot and character development don’t warrant such a protracted runtime. While visually appealing, it's like a meringue – there isn't much substance beneath the surface, which is unfortunate because at times the film presents characters exhibiting almost colonial attitudes that could have been explored further to enrich both the story and its people.

Source on TMDB

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