SQIFF 2020: Breaking Fast
sqiff 2020Religion and sexuality are two core identities that often come into war with each other. Often religion will seem to attack LGBTQ+ sexualities and identities causing inner turmoil and self destruction. This is not always the case, however. For those like Mo (Haaz Sleiman), the blending of his Muslim faith and gay sexual identity has evened out with the major turmoil of the subject being Mo's ability to connect with others who still are struggling with this cross-section of their identities. In Mike Mosallam's feature debut Breaking Fast, based on his short film of the same name, Mo is still dealing with a previous breakup due to this conflict when he meets Kal (Michael Cassidy), a genuinely nice man who offers to celebrate Ramadan with Mo and, over the course of the month, the two grow closer and closer.
Breaking Fast is a stunning romantic comedy for a variety of reasons, the first and possibly biggest being the screenplay also coming from Mike Mosallam. From the opening scene, is clear that Breaking Fast is coming from a place of authenticity. Whilst media likes to focus on only one part of a character's identity – whether it be sexual orientation, gender identity, class, religion, etc. – the truth is, the human experience is much more complex than that. It is when these identities clash where the nuances of the human experience is found, which is something Breaking Fast thrives in. The film does an incredible job not just crafting a screenplay that naturally explores the depths of these identities but also appreciating that there is no easy answer. Whilst Mo and his family has found acceptance in their hearts, others cannot say the same and the film not only acknowledges that this is valid but pushes some genuinely interesting questions through these ideas. The largest regarding Mo's ex Hassan (Patrick Sabongui). Mo left due to Hassan's refusal to come out to his family and instead wanting to marry a woman for show. Though one can look at Mo's actions as reasonable, others can see the departure as selfish and inconsiderate. Breaking Fast, at no point, gives an answer as to which perspective is correct, instead allowing the audience to come to their own conclusions and appreciate the natural complexity of life.
This is also seen in the performances by Haaz Sleiman and Michael Cassidy. Admittedly uneven at times, the natural awkwardness and roughness in their performances works to their favor. Similar to the screenplay, the word that sticks out the most in regards to Sleiman and Cassidy's performances is "genuine". The love story is slow and awkward, with both men taking their time to feel things out and truly get to know each other, which speaks much more to reality than the traditional cinematic romance. Whilst some of the drama towards the end of the film might feel a little forced, the acting always has a charm to it and continues to push the overall feeling of authenticity that the rest of the film is conjuring throughout the runtime.
Breaking Fast might not be the most revolutionary film of the year, but it undeniably works quite well. The exposure of the nuances of the LGBTQ+ experience is unique and impactful while the romance is sweet and authentic. The film carries a weight of reality to it that helps it stick with viewers long after the runtime ends, becoming one of the biggest genuine surprises of 2020 queer cinema. Breaking Fast is absolutely worth checking out for those who get the chance.
