‘Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars’ Review: A Slow-Burn Mélange of African Folklore and Teen Horror, Set Against a Stunning Desert Backdrop

Hollywood Reporter

by Jordan Mintzer

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

**‘Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars’ Review: A Slow-Burn Mélange of African Folklore and Teen Horror, Set Against a Stunning Desert Backdrop** Director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, renowned for his gritty, thought-provoking films set in Chad, delivers a haunting and visually stunning tale with *Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars*. This modern-day fable follows 17-year-old Kellou, a rebellious teenager grappling with unsettling visions that blur the lines between reality and prophecy. Haroun’s latest film, shot against the breathtaking Ennedi Plateau in Chad, weaves together elements of African folklore, teen angst, and slow-burn horror, creating a uniquely eerie and thought-provoking experience. Kellou’s life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Aya, a mysterious woman shunned by her village. This meeting unlocks long-buried secrets about Kellou’s traumatic past, including the death of her mother during childbirth, and her father’s own dark history as an immigrant outcast. While the narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, Haroun infuses the story with visually imposing desert landscapes that evoke a sense of otherworldliness, reminiscent of *Dune*’s iconic planet Arrakis. These stunning visuals enhance the film’s eerie atmosphere, making the setting feel almost like a character in its own right. Though *Sou

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/20/2026