'Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars' Review: Desert Tale Loses Its Way

Variety

by Murtada Elfadl

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mahamat-Saleh Haroun’s *Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars* is a visually stunning yet uneven film that blends magical realism with deeply symbolic storytelling. Set in Chad's Ennedi desert, the movie follows Kellou, a young woman experiencing haunting visions of the past and future, as she navigates her journey of self-discovery and resistance against restrictive cultural norms. The film’s greatest strength lies in its vivid imagery and the strong chemistry between Kellou and Aya, an older outcast who becomes her mentor and confidante. However, the narrative falters as it shifts from fantastical elements to metaphor-heavy sequences that lack momentum. While Haroun’s direction and Mathieu Giombini’s cinematography create moments of poetic beauty, the film struggles to maintain a compelling rhythm, with repetitive scenes and an underdeveloped plot overshadowing its potential. The story centers on Kellou’s growing friendship with Aya, which threatens the village’s traditions and leads to increased isolation for both characters. Aya’s mysterious past, told through her conception story involving a man in a monkey mask during a masked dance feast, adds layers of magical realism that are stunningly realized but never fully explained. This leaves audiences wondering whether these elements are meant to be taken literally or as metaphors. Kellou’s determination to protect Aya and break free from societal constraints is both touching and frustrating, as the film often prioritizes symbolism over engaging storytelling. The film’s pacing becomes increasingly lethargic as it delves into Kellou’s internal struggles and her futile attempts to challenge village traditions. While Maïmouna Miawana delivers a standout performance as Kellou, bringing depth and resilience to her role, the script fails to fully capitalize on her potential. The relationship between Kellou and Aya is heartfelt but underdeveloped, leaving viewers longing for more emotional depth. Haroun’s well-intentioned attempt to critique patriarchy and celebrate female empowerment falls short due to a lack of narrative drive. Ultimately, *Soumsoum, the Night of the Stars* is a visually captivating yet narratively disjointed film that offers moments of beauty but struggles to sustain audience interest. Its exploration of identity, freedom, and tradition is commendable, but its execution leaves room for

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Originally published on Variety on 2/19/2026