DEAR SON

Hey Bloggers!

Welcome back to Chebbi Unscripted, where we dive into the depths of Arab cinema, unearthing the nuanced cultural and political narratives behind the lens. Today, we’re exploring Mohamed Ben Attia’s Dear Son (Weldi), a Tunisian film that discusses themes of family, loss, and identity amid a growing social crisis.

Released in 2018, Dear Son heart-wrenchingly depicts a Tunisian family whose world is upended when their son, Sami, leaves for Syria to join ISIS. Through its intimate narrative, the film interrogates not only the societal forces that drive young men into extremism but also the profound emotional toll on their families. Focusing on Sami’s parents, Ben Attia amazingly shifts the spotlight away from the act itself and onto its ripple effects on those left behind.

For readers unfamiliar with Tunisia’s history, the film’s themes take root in a volatile period of immediately following the Arab Spring in 2011. Having successfully overthrown their authoritarian ruler in favor of democracy, Tunisia emerged as a symbol of hope in the Middle East. Yet, beneath this optimism lay deep economic despair: youth unemployment rates soared, particularly among educated young people. Hopelessness in their Tunisian homes, this situation bred radicalization as extremist groups exploited the growing gap between young people’s aspirations and their bleak realities. Between 2011 and 2018, Tunisia became the leading exporter of foreign fighters to ISIS, with over 5,000 citizens reportedly joining the militant terrorist group (Raghavan, 2019).

Dear Son zeroes in on these realities through Riadh’s journey—a father navigating his grief, guilt, and confusion as he searches for answers. Riadh becomes a microcosm of Tunisia itself: a parent country grappling with how its youth, like Sami, could be drawn to such paths. The film’s narrative pacing mirrors the father’s internal struggle, deliberately slow and contemplative. As Riadh embarks on a journey to find Sami, the camera lingers on his isolation in crowded train stations and unfamiliar streets, emphasizing the universality of his pain.

The film’s critique extends beyond personal tragedy, confronting the systems that failed Sami. The education system, painted as rigorous yet devoid of hope, and the strained familial dynamics both contribute to Sami’s vulnerability. But it is the omnipresent shadow of radicalization that looms largest. Ben Attia, however, resists oversimplification. Sami’s decision is not depicted as purely ideological but as a desperate grasp for meaning and escape—mirroring the motivations of many recruited in real life.

The title Dear Son also serves as a devastating reminder of the relational dynamics. At its core,m this is not just a story about extremism or geopolitics—it is a profoundly human tale of love and loss. In one poignant scene, Riadh reflects on Sami’s childhood, juxtaposing memories of innocence with the crushing weight of his current reality. This interplay between past and present elevates the film beyond a sociopolitical critique into a universal exploration of parenthood, unconditional love, and the pain of losing a child—not just physically but ideologically.

In an international context, Dear Son raises questions about how societies address the disillusionment of their youth. In the U.S., for instance, while radicalization may not manifest in the same way, young people face parallel struggles with systemic disenfranchisement, mental health crises, and economic instability. The opioid epidemic, rising suicide rates, and mass shootings are stark reminders of how societal neglect can lead to devastating outcomes. Like Tunisia’s loss of its brightest to radical ideologies, America grapples with losing its youth to despair.

As with films like As Though Nothing Happened and Falafel, Dear Son leans heavily into subtlety to deliver its message; rather than loud proclamations, it offers quiet reflections on a father’s love, a nation’s wounds, and the cost of lost potential. It challenges viewers to consider how societal structures must evolve to support youth who feel invisible in the face of overwhelming odds.

So, what did you think of Dear Son? How does its family and societal tension exploration compare to other films we’ve discussed? Let’s discuss this in the comments below—your thoughts are always as valuable as the stories we analyze.

Until next time, keep watching and reflecting with Chebbi Unscripted!

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