
Film review: Headbang Lulla by Hicham Lasri
Headbang Lullaby is a surreal tale set in an unnamed Moroccan village in the 1980s, where the relationship between the state and its people takes
Headbang Lullaby is a surreal tale set in an unnamed Moroccan village in the 1980s, where the relationship between the state and its people takes center stage. At its core, the film explores themes of perpetual waiting and unresolved tensions. The narrative follows Daoud, portrayed brilliantly by Aziz Hattab, as he is dispatched on a peculiar mission: to guard a bridge and ensure its safety ahead of the king’s impending visit. However, the bridge remains unidentified, much like the village and its inhabitants, leaving Daoud and the villagers trapped in a state of inaction, their sole task to remain still and wait.
A Journey Into Trauma and Dualities:
From the opening sequence, it’s clear this late-career work by Hicham Lasri is something exceptional—a deep, almost hallucinatory dive into the human psyche, societal trauma, and the complicated interplay of love and animosity. The film oscillates between the personal and the political, exploring the fraught relationship between the people and the state as well as the tensions within the village itself.
Lasri crafts an unconventional, almost disorienting narrative. The plot shifts unpredictably, compounded by the jarring sound design and the sporadic use of music. These stylistic choices make the film difficult to follow at times, yet they also reflect its boldness and intelligence. The screenplay is sharply written, and Lasri’s direction shines, particularly in the creative editing and fluid cinematography. The director of photography deserves special mention for elevating the visual language of the film, delivering an evocative, high-art experience.
A Complex, Culturally Rooted Masterpiece:
For international audiences, the film’s experimental approach and heavily symbolic style might feel impenetrable. However, for Moroccans familiar with the historical and political context of the 1980s, Headbang Lullaby resonates deeply. The film speaks to the socio-political realities of the time, drawing connections between past traumas and contemporary issues, while hinting at visions for the future.
The End of an Era for Lasri:
With Headbang Lullaby, Hicham Lasri seems to have exorcised the demons of a particular era. This film, along with his earlier works (They Are the Dogs and Starve Your Dog), completes a trilogy that interrogates the lingering wounds of Morocco’s recent past. In this cinematic therapy, Lasri seems to have bid farewell to the ghosts of the 1980s, leaving behind a definitive statement on that period.
Whether he feels liberated or burdened by this conclusion remains unclear. What is certain is that Headbang Lullaby represents a turning point in his career—a culmination of his creative vision to date and a possible gateway to new artistic directions.
A Career-Defining Work:
In Headbang Lullaby, Hicham Lasri has delivered his finest film yet—a surreal, thought-provoking masterpiece that cements his place as one of Morocco’s most daring filmmakers. It’s a film that challenges, confounds, and ultimately rewards those willing to engage with its complex layers.
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