Whilst the Cairo of 2011 is not the most hospitable or attractive place in the world, it does give director Tarik Saleh a wonderful backdrop to this captivating thriller. Shot entirely on location, the dirty urban landscape is always watchable. There is one amazing moment of contrast when the film visits a rich enclave that has massive security and manicured gardens.
The death of a glamorous night club singer brings in Noredin (a perfect role for the superb Mares Mares) to investigate. But he is soon involved with police and political figures way out of his league. Corruption and cover ups are typical of this classic film noir. There are lots of references to other more famous movies of this type.
Always in the background is the political upheaval of the time that leads to the Tahrir Square demonstrations that provide the climax to this powerful thriller. It deservedly won the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize (Drama) at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
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