Summary of “Divines” by Houda Benyamina
One-line summary: “Divines” is a gritty and powerful coming-of-age drama that follows the journey of a young girl named Dounia as she navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and ambition in a poverty-stricken suburb of Paris.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Houda Benyamina
- Writers: Houda Benyamina, Romain Compingt, Malik Rumeau
- Key Actors: Oulaya Amamra as Dounia, Déborah Lukumuena as Maimouna, Jisca Kalvanda as Rebecca
- Music Director: Demusmaker
- Director of Photography: Julien Poupard
- Producers: Marc-Benoît Créancier, Hugues Charbonneau
Plot:
In “Divines,” Dounia, a determined and street-smart teenager, dreams of escaping her impoverished life in a Parisian banlieue. She befriends Maimouna, a rebellious and charismatic girl, and together they embark on a journey to make money and gain power. Dounia becomes infatuated with Djigui, a drug dealer, and sees him as her ticket to a better life.
As Dounia and Maimouna delve deeper into the criminal underworld, their friendship is tested. Dounia’s ambition blinds her to the consequences of her actions, leading to a tragic turn of events. She must confront the harsh realities of her choices and decide what truly matters to her.
Themes and Motifs:
“Divines” explores themes of poverty, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. It delves into the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the lengths individuals will go to escape their circumstances. The film also examines the complexities of female friendship, highlighting the power dynamics and sacrifices that come with it. Through Dounia’s journey, the movie raises questions about the price of ambition and the consequences of one’s actions.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, “Divines” received critical acclaim for its raw and authentic portrayal of life in the banlieues. The film won the Caméra d’Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, recognizing the exceptional debut feature by Houda Benyamina. It also received several César Award nominations, including Best First Feature Film and Best Actress for Oulaya Amamra.
“Divines” has left a lasting impact on cinema, particularly for its unflinching depiction of social issues and its exploration of female empowerment. The film has been praised for its powerful performances, compelling storytelling, and thought-provoking themes. It serves as a testament to the talent and vision of Houda Benyamina, who has emerged as a promising director in the industry.
Recommendation:
“Divines” is a must-watch for those who appreciate gritty and thought-provoking cinema. It offers a unique perspective on the struggles faced by marginalized communities and the complexities of female friendship. The film’s powerful performances, compelling narrative, and social commentary make it a captivating and emotionally charged experience.
Memorable Quote:
“Sometimes, you have to break the rules to find your freedom.” – Dounia
Overall, “Divines” is a powerful and impactful film that sheds light on the harsh realities of life in the banlieues while exploring themes of friendship, ambition, and empowerment. It is a testament to the talent of Houda Benyamina and a must-see for fans of thought-provoking cinema.
