Cast
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Dakota Fanning
as Lilly Mitchell Abdal
Wunmi Mosaku
as Amina Mergessa
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
as Dr. Aziz Abdul Nasser
Kunal Nayyar
as Dr. Robin Sathi
Rafael Goncalves
as Ahmed Mergessa
Chris McHallem
as Immigration Officer
Denis Conway
as Officer Capps
Molly McCann
as Young Lilly
Gavin Drea
as Philip Mitchell
Sophie Kennedy Clark
as Alice Mitchell
Estad Tewfik Yusuf Mohamed
as The Great Abdal
Sharon Coade
as Shelter Worker
Antoinette Doyle
as Woman in Shelter
Edelework Tassew
as Gishta
Zeritu Kebede
as Nouria
Crew
Director
- Zeresenay Mehari
Writer
- Laura Phillips
Producer
- Jennifer Kawaja
- Alan Moloney
- Susan Mullen
- Julia Sereny
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Sweetness in the Belly examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Zeresenay Mehari brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2019, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sweetness in the Belly took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 134 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 215 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2019, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sweetness in the Belly shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Phoenix, which focuses more on action than character development, Sweetness in the Belly offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Leave 'Em Laughing and Contempt explore similar territory, Sweetness in the Belly stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 6, 2019
- Runtime: 1h 51m
Where to Watch
