The Forgiven
Movie Trailer
Release Date
July 1, 2022
Genre
Drama, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Ralph Fiennes as David Henninger
- Jessica Chastain as Jo Henninger
- Matt Smith as Richard Galloway
- Caleb Landry Jones as Dally Margolis
- Said Taghmaoui as Anouar
- Ismael Kanater as Abdellah
- Mourad Zaoui as Hamid
Director
John Michael McDonagh
Other Movies Director is Known For
- The Guard (2011)
- Calvary (2014)
- War on Everyone (2016)
Producer
- Elizabeth Eves
- John Michael McDonagh
- Trevor Matthews
Writer
- John Michael McDonagh (based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne)
Budget
Estimated at $10 million
Production Company
- Brookstreet Pictures
- Film4 Productions
- House of Un-American Activities
Running Time
117 minutes
Languages
English, Arabic, French
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong language
- Violence
- Drug use
- Sexual content
Movie Story
“The Forgiven” is a dramatic thriller set against the backdrop of the Moroccan desert, where the lives of the wealthy, entitled, and morally conflicted collide with the harsh realities of those less fortunate. The story follows David (Ralph Fiennes) and Jo Henninger (Jessica Chastain), a wealthy and disillusioned couple whose marriage is on the rocks. They are traveling to a lavish weekend party hosted by their friend Richard Galloway (Matt Smith) at his luxurious villa in the Moroccan desert.
On their way to the party, David, who has been drinking, accidentally hits and kills a young Moroccan boy named Driss while driving through the desert at night. Instead of stopping immediately, David and Jo flee the scene, arriving at the villa with the intent of covering up the incident. However, the next morning, the boy’s body is discovered, and the local police are informed.
The incident brings to light the stark contrast between the wealthy Westerners and the local Moroccan population. As tensions rise, David is confronted by the boy’s father, Abdellah (Ismael Kanater), who demands that David accompany him to his village for the burial, in accordance with local customs. David reluctantly agrees, embarking on a journey into the heart of the desert that forces him to confront his own guilt, privilege, and the consequences of his actions.
Meanwhile, Jo remains at the villa, where the party continues unabated, revealing the hedonistic and detached nature of the elite guests. As David faces a moral reckoning in the desert, Jo experiences her own emotional awakening, questioning the values and lifestyle she has embraced.
“The Forgiven” is a tense and thought-provoking exploration of morality, privilege, and cultural collision. The film examines the complexities of guilt, redemption, and the ways in which different cultures and classes interact in the face of tragedy.
Special Effects
The film’s visual style is marked by its stunning cinematography, capturing the stark beauty and desolation of the Moroccan desert. The vast, unforgiving landscape serves as a powerful backdrop to the story’s themes of isolation and moral decay. The film uses practical effects and location shooting to create an authentic atmosphere, immersing viewers in the harsh realities of life in the desert.
Box Office Performance
“The Forgiven” had a limited theatrical release and was also available on streaming platforms. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with particular praise for the performances of Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain. The movie’s exploration of complex moral themes and its striking cinematography were highlighted as strengths, though some critics felt the pacing and character development could have been more focused.
Filming Locations
- Erfoud, Morocco
- Ouarzazate, Morocco
- Marrakech, Morocco
Notable Quotes
- “We can’t just pretend it didn’t happen, David.” – Jo Henninger
- “In our culture, we believe that when you kill someone, you are responsible for their soul.” – Abdellah
Behind-the-Scenes
“The Forgiven” is based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne, and director John Michael McDonagh sought to faithfully adapt its themes of cultural conflict and moral ambiguity. The film was shot on location in Morocco, with the production team working closely with local communities to accurately depict the setting and the cultural practices portrayed in the story. The intense heat and remote locations presented challenges during filming, but these elements also contributed to the film’s authenticity and atmosphere.
Awards
- None, though the film was noted for its strong performances and compelling narrative.
Final Verdict
“The Forgiven” is a gripping and visually arresting drama that delves into the complexities of guilt, privilege, and cultural collision. Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain deliver powerful performances, bringing depth to their morally conflicted characters. The film’s exploration of difficult themes and its haunting depiction of the Moroccan desert make it a thought-provoking and compelling watch. While it may not be for everyone, those interested in character-driven stories with a strong moral core will find “The Forgiven” to be a rewarding experience.
IMDb Rating
6.0/10