Original subtitles

(feedback screeches) (eerie tones)

(brooding wind music)

(clunking and shuffling)

(music continues)

(old man yells in Arabic)

(music continues)

(bed thuds)

(furniture scrapes)

(boy exhales)

(lighter flicks)

(lock clacks)

(door rattles)

Call to prayer (Azan)

(old man speaks Arabic)

- Time to pray!

(walker scrapes) (Azan continues)

(boy pants) (keys clink)

(old man speaks Arabic)

(locks click)

(old man yells in Arabic)

- [Old Man] Don't give up!

If you run, you are running to the devil.

Call to prayer in speaker (Azan)

(faint wind howls)

Call to prayer in speaker (Azan)

Call to prayer in speaker (Azan)

(speaker system chimes)

(announcement in Arabic)

- If they ask anything religious-

- I got it.

Don't worry.

- [Announcer] Final call for passengers from-

- This isn't LA.

Please be careful.

For me?

What's your girlfriend's name?

- Claire.

I got it.

- [Announcer] Please proceed to the loading gate 11.

- I know you don't like it here.

Just one week.

Nothing to worry about, but we'll be careful.

Hm?

(speaker system chimes)

(announcement in Arabic)

(chatter in Arabic)

(traffic hums) (horns honk)

- [Mustafa] I am sorry about your father.

- Thank you.

- [Nagla] In heaven, Inshallah.

- [Mustafa] Hisham says he passed away a month ago.

It must have been too hard to be all the way in California.

Your name is Mo, or it's Mohamed?

- I changed it to Mo, 'cause I prefer that.

- You changed your name?

Your parents didn't mind?

- They didn't know.

They moved back to Egypt and we haven't really spoken

in the past nine years, really.

- Oh, no.

Why not?

- Just, uh...

Just problems.

- I'm happy you will meet your mother now.

You only have each other.

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

(Nagla whispers in Arabic)

- [Mustafa] I am sorry. We didn't mean to bother you.

(horn honks)

(horn honks)

- How come you are Egyptian and you don't speak Arabic?

- I never lived here.

Just one random year when I was 12.

Then we moved back to the States.

- You'll love it here.

It's the most beautiful place to live.

Did you like it when you were 12?

- [Mo] No.

- [Mustafa] Some music?

(woman sings in Arabic)

(phone chimes)

- [Mo] Oh, no.

(woman sings in Arabic)

- What?

- [Mo] Check your Facebook.

- What is it?

- Sara Hegazi.

She killed herself.

(woman sings in Arabic)

- [Nagla] Who is she?

- She...

(distant siren wails)

Baba, sorry, Can you turn up the radio, please?

(woman sings in Arabic)

(music continues)

(car door slams)

(man speaks Arabic)

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

(dark droning tones)

Mo?

(door closes)

Hello.

(Mo grunts)

Finally. (Mo chuckles)

(Hisham chuckles)

- My mom is not easy.

She'll know exactly who you are.

Will you come tomorrow?

- mm.

Call to prayer in speaker (Azan)

- [Hisham] They put a speaker right at our window?

Mind if I play a song? - No, go ahead.

- [Mo] It's my mom's favorite.

- Mm-hm.

Call to prayer in speaker (Azan)

(upbeat music in Arabic)

- Really? (Mo chuckles)

Oh, my God. - I have no idea what it says.

(upbeat music continues)

(Hisham sings in Arabic)

- Please, no. (chuckles)

Stop.

Stop. (Hisham chuckles)

(upbeat music continues)

(upbeat music continues)

(upbeat music continues)

Can you

lay on top of me?

(upbeat music continues)

- I know you're getting it again.

It's okay to be anxious.

You don't have to hide it.

- Sara Hegazi.

We're in the place that killed her.

- She knew what she was doing.

We're not going around, asking for our rights.

It won't kill us.

Hey, what?

Mm.

Hey. Come on.

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

- Okay. (speaks Arabic)

Quiet.

(Mo chuckles)

(motorcycle engine revs)

(man speaks Arabic)

(Mo sighs) (suspenseful music)

(knocks on door)

(knocks on door)

(locks clack)

(suspenseful music continues)

- [Mo] Mervat.

- Hisham (speaks Arabic)

- [Mo] Is Mama here?

(suspenseful music continues)

- Mr. Mohamed.

I'm sorry for your father.

I am Zakaria. Your mother's lawyer.

I called you last week.

- Where is she?

- She's not here. She wants me to finish the process myself.

- I wanna speak to my mother.

- I need your signature.

Did you make the power of attorney this morning?

We have your check ready.

- Here it is.

But can I see my mother,

before I sign my way out of her life?

I wanna see her.

- Please. I don't have time for this.

If she doesn't sell the apartment, she won't have

enough money to take care of your father's mother.

Your choice.

You want that?

Sign, please.

(pen scribbles)

- [Salma] Omar! Omar habiby.

- Mr. Mohamed.

- Omar!

- Teta. (Salma speaks Arabic)

- Teta.

Are you okay?

- Habiby. - It's me, Mohamed.

I'm his son. I'm your grandson.

(Salma speaks Arabic)

- I lived with you for a month, remember?

(Mervat speaks Arabic)

(Salma speaks Arabic)

- I don't understand. (Salma speaks Arabic)

- Hey, hey, hey, hey. Easy, easy!

- Mohamed. (Salma speaks Arabic)

- Let's go back. (Salma speaks Arabic)

- [Zakaria] She's hallucinating.

- Easy with your hand! Hey!

- Mohamed, Mohamed, Mohamed.

Mohamed, your mother made sure to let me know

that you're only here for your money.

You're not welcome inside.

Please.

- Where is my mom?

- [Zakaria] She's not here.

She won't come back, until you leave the country.

Please respect her wishes.

(tense music)

- I'm not signing today.

I'm revising this contract first.

And tell my mom it would be nice to see her.

(locks clack)

Hisham?

Hisham! Let's go.

She's not just a maid. She's my mother's best friend.

But she's not stable.

She's off, and her son is schizophrenic or something.

- [Hisham] Like he has two personalities?

- No. Like he used to think he's God.

Beat his own mother to pray to him, and shit like that.

Crazy shit like that.

That was nine years ago.

Maybe he's better now.

- [Hisham] Poor woman.

- Not poor woman.

She probably did this shit to him with all her

crazy religious crap.

She used to be terrible to me.

And made my mother do

bad things.

- [Hisham] What kind of things?

I'm glad you didn't sign.

I'll get your contract revised.

- My grandma.

I wish you were there. She just kept yelling.

- [Hisham] Yelling what?

- It was in Arabic.

She was trying to tell me something.

- Do you want to know something funny about Egypt?

- Yeah.

- Okay. Don't freak out.

Act normal. We can walk like this.

- Really? - Yeah.

- Well, that's interesting.

- What?

- Someone's following us.

- Who?

- The woman in the Nikab.

- Come on, Mo. How do you know?

- She was watching us at the beach.

- How do you know it's the same woman?

- It's her. It's the same height.

(man yells in Arabic) (distant percussive music)

(music continues)

(man speaks in Arabic over megaphone)

- Hm.

(steel clangs)

(muffled footsteps thud)

(lock clicks)

(suspenseful music)

(music continues)

(door closes)

(bicycle bell rings)

- [Mustafa] Hello?

Hi. - Hey, how are you?

- Hello, how are you? Fine.

Mo, Hisham is telling me that you have a contract

you want me to have someone revise for you?

- Yes, please. - Let me see it.

- [Mo] Here, I don't understand this, so-

- Okay, yalla come. - Thank you so much.

- Sit down, please.

- I made this food especially for you.

- Wow. - Myself.

Lamis didn't do anything.

(Mo chuckles) Sit and try it.

- It looks delicious.

- It's very nice.

- You'll lick your fingers after them.

- Oh, sure.

- Try this one. - Okay.

- Very nice.

- Thank you.

- Let me see.

- Some rice? - Yes, please.

(Hisham clears his throat) (Mo chuckles)

(Nagla speaks Arabic) (Mustafa chuckles)

- Well, it's not the right size anymore, but-

- Of course it's the right size.

- [Mo] The hell is that?

Thank you.

- You're welcome. - What is this?

- [Mustafa] I made it for you.

I thought you bring your girlfriend with you.

- [Hisham] Manuela wanted to, but uh, she couldn't come.

- [Mustafa] Why not?

- [Hisham] Financial reasons.

- [Mustafa] Financially, you have to bring for her a ticket.

- [Hisham] No, it's not like that.

When Mo's girlfriend cancelled, she cancelled, too.

- [Mustafa] If she doesn't want to meet your family,

she will not be a good wife.

- [Nagla] Mo, how did it go with your mother?

- Mm.

She wasn't there.

I don't think I'm gonna see her.

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(both speak Arabic)

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

- What? - Nothing.

(Nagla whispers in Arabic)

- (chuckles) What is it?

- Look.

Don't get angry.

When your neighbors were complaining to me

about your mother today,

I managed to get her number.

I'll text it to you.

It's up to you, if you want to use it or not.

(phone chimes)

- God says that heaven is under the feet of the mothers.

If you call her, you will get good things from God.

- I might call her, because I wanna see her.

Not for good things from God.

(Hisham chuckles)

- [Hisham] Don't do this again. Just say "Inshallah".

- [Mo] I'll try.

I hate it when they try to shove religion

down my throat like that.

"Heaven is at the feet of their mothers."

- [Hisham] Stop.

- Good.

I almost forgot you loved me.

- When I want to kiss you in public, I'll do this.

Hm?

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

- The masks on your faces, always.

It's better than America here, but it's still dangerous.

Okay? (Hisham speaks Arabic)

(both speak Arabic)

- Lamis?

Lamis?

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(Lamis speaks Arabic)

- Everything okay? - Yes, everything is fine.

Wait, wait, wait!

Take your shoes off. Take them off.

(tense music)

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

- Is this witchcraft? Right?

- [Nagla] Witchcraft? No, no.

I don't know What is it.

Nobody came to the door today. So, it cannot be that.

- She's really superstitious.

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

- [Mo] The woman in the Nikab.

She followed us home and poured this shit at our door.

- It's not your mother's maid. What's her name?

- Mervat.

- Yeah, it's not Mervat. There's no way.

Okay?

(Hisham sighs)

Even if it is witchcraft,

you don't really believe in it, do you?

That it can really affect you?

(muffled dance music) (car approaches)

It's them. They'll have some hashish, I'm sure.

(man speaks Arabic)

- [Hisham] English only, please.

- [Driver] Nah, it's okay. My throat hurts.

I'm only drinking tonight.

- [Man] This real talk's not for her.

She's already burning in hell.

She's not listening to us.

I care for the living. The living must hear this.

- [Man] I think everyone can do what they want.

- [Man] So, we are supposed to sympathize with her suicide?

She dies an infidel (speaks Arabic), and gay.

- Maybe no one needs your useless sympathy.

They just want you minding your own fucking business.

That's all.

- Oh.

He spoke.

Are you one of them?

Did we offend you?

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

- [Man] So, you're okay with your child growing up,

telling you, "Hey, dad, I like men to fuck me in the ass"?

"And I wanna wear skirts."

- Yeah. I'm okay with that.

(man scoffs and speaks Arabic)

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

- [Mo] What are you saying?

Say it to my face.

- Are you a fag? Or what's your deal, bro?

- [Man] Hey, hey, hey.

You're Christian, right?

Is homosexuality right or wrong?

Absolutely fucking wrong.

- See?

Simple.

Are you Muslim?

(muffled dance music)

(somber music)

- Yes.

(feet scrape)

- Come on, guys. Stop.

- If Sara's going to hell and you're going to heaven,

Then heaven sounds like a shithole full of assholes.

(Mo spits) - Mo.

(dark music)

(Mo sighs)

(metal scrapes)

(shuffling)

(metal scrapes)

(shuffling)

(metal scrapes)

(shuffling)

(metal scrapes)

(suspenseful music)

- Everything okay?

(gravel crunches)

(dog barks)

(metal scrapes)

(shuffling)

(metal scrapes)

(shuffling)

(metal scrapes)

(shuffling)

(metal scrapes)

Please respect my life.

- Don't open up like that in front of my people.

Mm?

- Do you ever wonder if they'd still be your people,

if they knew?

- Stop.

- Is it worth holding on?

- So I should cut them all off and be like you?

- [Mo] Nice. (sighs)

- I didn't mean it like that.

Egypt has a way of getting into people's business.

Don't let it do that to us.

Hm?

- Okay.

- I'm horny. (Mo chuckles)

It would be so hot if our first time is in Egypt.

Why can't we do it?

- You know.

- You don't believe in God, and you're gay.

Why wait till marriage?

- Stop.

Goodnight.

- No, no, no, no.

I'm good with your hand, like last time.

(Mo chuckles) Come on.

Please.

(duvet rustles)

(metal scrapes)

(muffled kisses)

(metal scrapes) - Hold on.

(Hisham whispers indistinctly)

(metal scrapes)

(Hisham grunts)

(metal scrapes)

- I'm sorry. I didn't mean it.

- [Mo] Change the sheets before I get back.

- It's just cum.

It won't kill you.

(water splashes)

(plaster tears)

(dark music)

(music continues)

- Give it to me.

(paper rustles)

(Mervat speaks Arabic)

- No.

I'm staying with my grandma for a bit.

(Mervat speaks Arabic) I'm staying with my grandma!

This is still my house.

(speaks Arabic)

You get that?

I know what you did.

I know what you did to me.

And I'm fucking visiting her.

I'm not a child anymore.

You understand?

Good. Go.

Go!

(door slams)

(phone chimes)

You told me something last time.

You told me something.

What was it?

Is someone else here?

(feet shuffle)

(bottle scrapes)

(bottle sprays)

(Mo sniffs deeply)

(bottle clunks)

There's no one.

You don't remember, you don't have to tell me.

I'm just so happy to see you.

What is it?

(button clicks) (Quran plays on Radio)

(Quran continues on Radio)

(Salma speaks Arabic)

(Salma speaks Arabic)

(Salma speaks Arabic)

(Salma speaks Arabic)

- (speaks Arabic) The devil? What about the devil?

(Salma speaks Arabic)

(Salma speaks Arabic)

- Devil. (Salma speaks Arabic)

- You mean Mervat? She's the devil?

(Salma speaks Arabic)

(Quran continues on Radio)

- Teta.

Come on. Don't scare me, please.

These things are not real.

We have to stay here, in reality.

It's all in your head, okay?

I'm okay. Look at me.

I'm okay. I'm really, I'm okay.

(Salma speaks Arabic)

(Salma speaks Arabic)

(horns honk) (traffic hums)

(horns honk) (traffic hums)

(horns honk) (traffic hums)

(door creaks)

- No, please try to come earlier.

(switch clicks)

I'm not feeling well.

You can visit her tomorrow?

(chatter in Arabic from TV)

(lights buzz)

(chatter in Arabic from TV)

(muffled wind blows)

(lights buzz)

(lights buzz)

(Boy wails)

(Mo breathes heavily)

(metal scrapes)

(metal scrapes)

(door slams)

(Mo breathes heavily)

(metal scrapes)

(drawer opens)

(knife scrapes)

(Mo breathes deeply)

(Mo breathes shakily)

(Mo breathes shakily)

- [Mo] Are you with me or not?

Why are you never with me?

(entity shrieks) (ominous music)

(Mo breathes heavily)

(door opens)

- Habiby, how are you?

I'm good Tunt Nagla. Thank you.

(door closes)

- Hisham told us you're not feeling well.

- [Mo] I'm okay.

- It's normal to be scared of witchcraft.

- There's no witchcraft.

Let's not scare him.

- Even if there was, no witchcraft is stronger than God.

God will help good people, no matter what happens.

Okay?

Okay?

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

- Goodnight.

What's behind your back?

- I heard something inside.

Look.

The scars.

- [Hisham] What scars?

(dark music continues)

(dark music continues)

(Salma speaks Arabic)

- [Hisham] She's saying that she's safe.

But you should escape.

She heard her talking about you to the devil.

- Who, "Her"?

(Salma speaks Arabic)

- [Hisham] "I heard her talking with the devil.

The devil thinks he is God and wants to punish people.

The devil thinks he is God and wants to punish people."

Nonsense.

- It's Mervat's sick son.

I told you he used to believe he's God.

She must be talking about him.

- [Hisham] Please, stop.

I'm sorry I left you today.

I won't do it again.

I should've been with you.

(distant singing in Arabic)

- Don't worry. I hear many of these stories.

God protect us.

If you think you see something that shouldn't be there,

the solution is to mention Allah.

Pray and pretend like you don't see it.

If you talk to it,

it might try to touch you, in physical world.

Second step.

- It did.

And I don't see how I can just ignore it.

I don't think you understand.

- [Sheikh] Make sure you don't sleep alone,

and you are in good mood.

Not scared.

Not sad.

And no bad thoughts at all.

- Why?

- [Sheikh] Step three.

It wants to go inside!

- [Hisham] Here's the sheikh's blessing.

- That's it? I thought it would be more climactic.

Like, uh...

- Holy water? (Mo chuckles)

(Hisham gulps)

(Mo chuckles)

So I can bless you every morning.

Do you like that?

Witchcraft feeling better? - (chuckles) Yeah.

Much better. Thank you very much.

- Supposed to be in a good mood, huh?

Can I help you with that?

(upbeat music)

(woman sings in Arabic)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

- [Mo] What scares you the most?

- [Hisham] I don't know.

What scares you?

- [Mo] The antichrist.

The one-eyed man.

Do you know the story?

- [Hisham] No.

- He's a man with only one eye.

He'll claim that he's God and God will give him superpowers.

He can kill the living and revive the dead.

He will show people heaven and hell.

His believers, who'll walk into heaven,

will actually be tortured by God, in hell.

And those who were forced into hell

will be rewarded with heaven.

- Why?

- What's this test for?

What if life isn't about doing good?

It's just about obeying the mighty pride

and getting on its good side.

- [Hisham] What the fuck are you talking about? (chuckles)

I'm too high for this.

- [Mo] So, if God says we can't be together,

what if it doesn't matter that there's no reason?

What if the right thing is just to obey?

- Do you believe in God?

- No.

Just hypothetically speaking.

- [Hisham] "Hypothetically".

(door opens)

- [Mustafa] Hisham. (speaks Arabic)

(Hisham speaks Arabic) (tense music)

(Mustafa and Hisham speak Arabic)

(door opens)

- What?

What is it?

- Why didn't you tell me?

Your profile picture.

- I thought you saw it.

Close the door.

- He wants the door open.

He's not sure about you.

- I didn't think he'd see it.

I'm sorry.

I'll take you off my social media, for now.

Just to be safe.

- Why?

Why you did it?

Why you cause problems?

We don't even know her.

He never looked at me in this way.

- Because she died.

Fighting for me and you.

And everyone despises her.

I had to.

Why don't you feel the same way?

- You're a child.

You're selfish.

Sometimes I just feel tired.

(tense music continues)

(distant clock ticks)

(metal scrapes)

(metal scrapes)

- Do you see it?

(footsteps approach)

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

(Hisham speaks Arabic) (dark music)

(hand thuds)

(hand thuds)

(head thuds)

(head thuds)

(head thuds)

(head thuds)

I know what this is.

Come with me.

Come.

(hand thuds)

- What?

- [Hisham] I know what's happening.

(metal scrapes) Hold on.

(metal scrapes)

(kissing)

(metal scrapes)

(metal scrapes) - What're you doing?

- [Hisham] Do you trust me?

- Yes. (metal scrapes)

- Then go to hell for me.

(Mo gasps)

(Call to prayer - Azan - in speaker)

(Mo sighs)

- It's all in your head.

Nothing's happening.

(Mo pants)

(brooding music)

(music continues)

(music continues)

- [Yousra] Hello?

Hello?

- Mama, it's me.

Mohamed.

I don't wanna argue.

I just wanted to talk.

- [Yousra] Did you stop being...

- Mama, I can stop seeing men,

but I can't stop being gay.

I miss you.

A lot.

I need you.

I've always wanted to call,

but it's just been difficult.

- [Yousra] Mervat told me that you know what she did.

Good. The more you sin, the worst it will get.

- You knew about this?

- [Yousra] Even going back to America, it won't help you now.

- You knew about this? Your own son?

- [Yousra] If you will really stop,

then there is nothing to worry about.

But if you continue, it kill you!

It will kill you!

(music continues)

(music comes to end)

- Witchcraft is bad. Never do it.

It's a deal with the devil.

But if you don't want to listen to me and want to use it,

only for your protection,

make Hisham ask Lamis, when she comes in the morning.

She found a solution.

I'll trust you.

You won't tell Hisham that I told you.

- [Hisham] That has crossed the line.

I can't let you lose your mind like that.

- She looks like she's trying to tell me something.

Translate!

Word by word!

Come on.

- "Like I said, you can't remove the curse.

We don't know where they buried it."

She's suggesting something crazy.

That we steal one of Mervat's belongings,

go to a witch and put a spell on her.

- [Mo] Why would that help?

(Lamis speaks Arabic)

(Hisham sighs)

- The spell that you will put on Mervat

work like a mirror.

Any curse she put on you will reflect on her as well.

So, you'll call her, threaten her,

tell her what you did, and she has to remove it.

- [Mo] That sounds good. Why didn't you say that?

- One. Because witchcraft is not real.

Two. Because we're not going to robbing Mervat.

Three. 'Cause you don't need a witch.

You need a therapist.

- If I go back to America, will this all end?

- Yes.

- No. Back to America, no.

Sorry.

- I won't be with you on that one.

If you want to do it, do it on your own.

- That's fine.

I've always been on my own.

- Mo.

Mo?

(door creaks)

(distant traffic hums) (distant horns honk)

Can you hear the sea?

When I was young, we were able to see the sea from here.

Before all these ugly buildings.

I sneaked my friends and their girlfriends up here,

so we can smoke together.

They would hold hands and watch the sea.

I was with them,

thinking if I'll ever be able to tell anyone my secret.

If anyone can ever know.

If I'll ever find someone to sit here with

and watch the sea.

- I know I say I'm an atheist,

but I wasn't.

When I was young, I was very religious,

and my mother loved me for it.

When I found out that I was gay,

around 11,

it killed me.

I told them about it.

That it was just a challenge from God,

and I knew I could beat it.

But she didn't think so.

She just kept crying.

She insisted that I was cursed.

That it was witchcraft.

She just didn't know who did it.

And I used to pray so hard,

begging to stop being gay,

that my forehead would hurt so badly,

from hitting the floor harder than I should.

Thinking that God would listen that way.

But he didn't.

He didn't.

(percussive music)

(man speaks Arabic)

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

They took your grandma out of this apartment.

He doesn't know where to.

(man speaks Arabic)

- Look who's becoming so Egyptian. (clears throat)

- So, that's her cell phone?

- No, it's her landline.

I know someone who can get us the address for landlines.

But then what?

- We're going to Mervat's home.

- Go visit the woman who put witchcraft on your door

and her violent, schizophrenic son, who thinks he's God,

and beats her to pray for him?

Sounds like a good plan.

(bicycle bell rings)

- I need to tell you something else.

- What?

- [Mo] I need to stay away from sins.

All sins.

Till this is over.

- And by "sins", you mean me.

Flattered.

What?

Mo?

(percussive music continues)

- [Mo] We will get out of here.

(ominous music swells)

(Mo sighs)

(bed creaks)

(Mo sighs)

(bed creaks) (Mo breathes heavily)

(phone chimes)

(Mo sighs)

(Mo sighs)

- [Boy] (Whispers in Arabic)

(Mo breathes heavily) (suspenseful music)

(Mo yelps) (ominous music)

(music continues)

(Mo breathes sharply)

(Call to prayer - Azan)

- Tunt Nagla.

(Call to prayer - Azan)

Tunt Nagla.

- Oh, oh. (yawns)

I was asleep.

Why are you awake?

- Oh, I couldn't sleep.

- Let's go to bed.

I was up,

reading this,

for you.

- Really?

- I know you're in pain.

I wish if I could do more.

- It's fagr.

Isn't it a blessing if we pray it on time?

(clock ticks)

I can't lead the prayer.

I forgot the Quran.

- You have to try.

It's not allowed for a woman to lead. Haram.

- Actually, I'm pretty tired.

Goodnight.

- Wait.

Wait.

- Don't tell anyone. Even Hisham.

But I think God is bigger than all of this.

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(door creaks)

(son groans)

- She didn't let her in.

- Did you tell it was an emergency?

That you needed the bathroom?

(Lamis speaks Arabic)

- Her son is still a problem.

He doesn't like it when strangers walk in.

- And now what?

(Lamis speaks Arabic)

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

- Where's she going? - Come, come.

- It's her.

(footsteps approach)

(traffic hums)

(footsteps recede)

I'll do it.

- [Hisham] Do what?

- I'll talk to him myself. - What are you going to do?

Hey.

Mo?

(footsteps clack)

(footsteps clack)

(lock scrapes)

(lock squeaks)

(door creaks) (suspenseful music)

(music continues)

(door closes)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(urine splashes) (Mervat's son breathes heavily)

(music continues)

(Mervat's son breathes heavily)

(Mo breathes shakily)

(footsteps thump)

(footsteps thump)

(Mervat's son breathes heavily) (footsteps thump)

(Mo breathes sharply)

(door creaks) (Mervat's son breathes heavily)

(Mervat's son breathes heavily)

(footsteps thump)

(music continues)

(man hums)

(Mervat's son breathes heavily)

(footsteps thump) (Heavy breaths)

- Sorry.

Please.

(Mo gasps) (Mervat's son breathes heavily)

(Mo grunts)

(Mo breathes heavily)

(Mo breathes heavily)

Is this what you want?

Is this what you want?

(music continues)

(Mo grunts)

(music continues)

Stop the car.

- [Hisham] What?

- Stop the car.

- [Hisham] Wait. We'll go back to home.

- Stop the car!

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

(car door opens)

(music continues)

(Mo grunts)

(Mo grunts)

(Mo grunts)

(car door opens)

(car door closes)

- It's okay. We tried.

- Her son's boxers.

(Mo sighs)

(engine hums)

(footsteps clack)

(distant dog barks)

(door creaks)

(faint dark music)

(scissors snip)

(meat tears)

(knife thuds)

(curtain rings clink)

(paper rustles)

(chicken clucks)

(Mo breathes heavily)

(Hisham speaks Arabic)

Mervat burnt all your witchcraft, and I believe her.

She was freaking out and shaking.

She's asking us to burn the boxer

and send her a picture.

I said, "No."

I told her, "We want your son to remain affected

by any witchcraft against Mo,

just in case for the future."

You don't believe she burnt it?

- [Mo] I believe.

My mom called me 18 times today.

I know they burnt it.

- [Hisham] Then what?

- Nothing.

(distant music)

(sheikh speaks Arabic)

(sheikh speaks Arabic)

(Song in Arabic)

(music continues)

(women sing in Arabic)

(women sing in Arabic)

(women sing in Arabic)

(women sing in Arabic)

(Mo coughs)

(music comes to end)

(Mo breathes deeply)

- [Hisham] Talk to me.

- About what?

- [Hisham] The problem's over, right?

- It's over.

- Fine.

Prove it.

- Prove what?

- That you're good.

That there is nothing you're hiding from me.

(Hisham sighs)

You have a problem.

This is not about that you want to wait for marriage.

I told you I'm down to marry you and you didn't do anything.

- I'm going to.

- Let me do yours, then.

Just an experiment.

Why is it a problem?

- [Mo] Fine.

(bed creaks)

- Hey.

Let's try something.

Relax.

Relax.

(kiss)

(dark music)

(music continues)

Hey.

Come on.

It's okay?

You good?

- Mm-hm.

(metal scrapes)

(metal scrapes)

- Untie my hands.

Untie my hands. Untie my hands.

- Okay, okay.

Relax.

(eerie music)

(intense ominous music)

Fuck.

(Hisham gasps)

(door clacks)

(eerie music continues)

(head thuds aggressively)

(head thuds aggressively)

(music continues)

(Mo sobs)

- Hisham.

- [Hisham] Put it down.

- Hisham, what?

- I'm going to get closer.

Please put it down.

(dark music)

- Mohamed.

Mohamed!

We're going back to Egypt.

Mervat, my nanny, found us a solution.

A Sheikh- - Mom, Mom.

- He will fix your problem. - Mama.

Mom! - You will be good again.

- Do you have sinful feelings?

(button clicks) (Boy cries)

Look, if you want to be good again.

(button clicks)

- Don't come to him. - Stop.

Wait.

- Okay, I'm stopping. Just please put it down.

You're not in the right mind.

Trust me.

- He's ugly, like us.

- I love you.

I'm sorry.

I won't ever touch you again.

We can be together and never do this.

- (sobs) That's not what I want.

- Please stop.

(music continues)

(Mo yelps)

(Mo sobs)

- I love you.

Don't do this to me.

- [Boy] Why?

- Why?

- Because...

Because you need me,

and you don't realize that I need you, too.

You're kind,

and you feel like home,

and when you are sweet to me, I get this feeling

And I don't need anything else from you.

I'm sorry.

- Help me.

- I'm trying.

- [Boy] He's ugly, like us.

- Can I get closer?

- No. Don't come closer.

- [Hisham] Did this happen before?

- [Yousra] When you want to do something stupid,

make sure you do it right.

- Hisham, come. Come!

- Mo, stop. Please stop.

(both pant)

- Mo stop. Stop.

(machine bleeps) (muffled chatter)

(distant waves crash)

What the hell are you doing? We'll miss the flight.

- Please sit down.

(chair scrapes)

- I moved my flight last night.

- Fuck, Mo. We have to get out of here.

- I love you.

So much.

More than anyone I know.

And you know that...

This isn't working.

It'll kill me to stay with you.

(sobs) And it...

It'll kill me to leave.

You deserve someone else.

- You will be with a girl?

- No.

I tried that before. It doesn't work.

- Look.

I changed it yesterday.

I was thinking about my feelings and I forgot yours.

- Oh.

It's not about anything you've done.

You've been nothing but supportive, Hisham.

It has nothing to do with you.

- Why you want to stay in Egypt?

- I don't know. Maybe there's still witchcraft.

Something...

I can't leave like this.

I'd rather die than leave like this.

- I can cancel my flight. We can stay.

- (sobs) No, no, no, no.

(Mo inhales deeply)

Please listen to me.

When I'm with you,

I feel bad.

If I was your mother or your friend even,

I would tell you not to be with me.

- I don't care about this.

- And I'd tell me not to be with you.

(Mo sighs)

When you go back, find a roommate.

I will move out right away.

(distant waves crash)

I don't think I ever really planned on marrying you.

It was just talk.

And that's not fair to you.

(Mo sobs)

Please tell me.

You know I love you more than anyone in this world.

(sighs) Can you hold my hand, please?

Please. Just one more time.

Just a handshake. Please.

(Door rattles)

(metal scrapes)

(metal scrapes)

Fuck you!

Come and get me.

I'm right here!

(hurried footsteps clack)

(metal scrapes)

(Mo pants)

(metal scrapes)

(Mo pants)

(dark music)

(music continues)

(door opens)

- [Yousra] Mohamed?

- [Mo] Mom.

- [Yousra] How did you find me?

- [Mo] I remember this house.

I spent the worst year of my life here.

You gonna let me in?

(shutters close)

(dark music continues)

(Yousra speaks Arabic)

(music continues)

- Didn't you always say that this witchcraft is so sinful?

- Uh-huh. I did.

But in this case, I'm sure that God will understand.

You look bad.

- It was a rough week.

Fighting your witchcraft and all.

- [Yousra] But you did well. You won.

You cursed the poor lady's son,

and we removed the curse that was on you.

- "Poor lady"?

She cursed me first.

- She cursed you for good. You cursed her for evil.

Intentions matter.

- So, is that it?

This bullshit will continue forever?

- God is there, Mohamed.

I know it, and you know it.

I remember when I had you in my arms, back then,

when you were still my boy.

When I was still blessed by him.

The day I got you this bracelet,

I remember feeling that love to you and from him.

I was so scared.

Scared.

Like I knew that the future will take you from me.

I looked up,

and felt him.

I know he was hearing me.

I held your hand as you slept in my chest,

and I prayed to that bracelet.

I prayed that you will never stop loving me,

and never take it off.

I prayed it reminds you of me, no matter what.

And look.

After all we have been through, it's on your hand.

What does that tell you?

- That I somehow still love you?

- That God exists.

And the prayers work.

When you see the horrors of hell with your own eyes,

you will know that it wasn't worth it.

It will be so horrifying that even mothers

will forsake their own children, just to save themselves.

- You didn't need to see the horrors of hell.

It was much easier for you.

- You deserve this, and every sinner deserves this.

And I want you to know this every day in your life,

until you stop!

- Stop what? - Sinning!

Sinning!

I will get punished because of your sins, too.

You're selfish. - You're selfish.

And you hated me, long before I started sinning.

When I came to you,

and I told you about what I was going through,

about my feelings, before I ever sinned.

You are selfish.

Not me.

(Mo inhales deeply)

I just feel lost, Mom.

And I thought you might be the answer.

(Mo sniffles)

But you are the opposite.

(chair scrapes)

(muffled birds screech)

(birds screech)

(dark tense music) (Mo moans)

(music continues) (engine hums)

(men sing in Arabic)

(car door slams)

(men sing in Arabic)

- I just need what you stole from her house.

You had no right.

(Mo moans)

What's your sinner friend's number?

Text him to bring it now. (Mo grunts)

(men sing in Arabic)

(music continues)

- He's not here.

He's not in Egypt!

- [Hisham] Habiby, I'm here in Egypt.

Yes. I couldn't leave without you.

I promised I'll take you back safely

and you don't need to marry me for that.

- Stop!

- [Hisham] Why do you want the boxers?

Stop texting and pick up please

(car approaches)

(music continues)

- Mo? - Hisham!

(men sing in Arabic)

- [Hisham] Mo?

- [Mo] Hisham! Watch out!

- [Hisham] Mo?

- [Mo] Behind you! Hisham!

(flames roar and crackle)

(water splashes)

(flames crackle)

(Mervat's son breathes heavily)

(Mervat speaks Arabic)

(flames crackle)

- No.

No.

I tried everything I can.

I'm innocent of him.

I swear on my soul. I did everything and failed.

He's my proof.

- She try.

I try.

We did everything we could.

He lied to me.

He told me that I fixed him.

That's why I let him go.

I didn't know.

Look.

(metal scrapes)

(metal scrapes)

(metal scrapes)

Look at this.

We made him carve one of these, for each sinful feeling.

I made him pay for each one.

Forgive us.

(flames crackle)

- We're forgiven.

Me and you.

(flames crackle)

Thank you. (speaks Arabic)

The Most Merciful and Gracious

is being very kind to you.

He says you never made a full decision towards sin,

unlike your other friend,

which is why he gives you another chance.

(Mo sobs)

You can choose the hell you deserve,

or you can willingly step in this curse, or cure.

Whatever you make of it.

You will step in it and swear on your soul

that you will never, ever sin this way again.

Never befriend sinners.

No matter what your desires are.

Breaking this swear brings you sickness and death to you,

in no longer than a month.

These are your options.

Swear it and you leave here tonight.

- I'll do it.

I swear.

- But is this a truthful oath?

You know what you're getting yourself into?

- I swear it is truthful.

- Not out of fear of the Most Merciful and Gracious,

but out of love?

(flames crackle)

(gravel crunches)

- Where's Hisham?

- He didn't deserve your same chance.

He had already picked sin.

(flames crackle)

Swear it.

So they could leave us all go.

Please.

It's this, or fire.

There is one right thing to do.

You can't be stubborn now.

(Mo sobs)

Step in it.

- Mama.

- Step in it.

(suspenseful music)

(man sings in Arabic)

(music continues) (flames crackle)

(man sings in Arabic)

(bracelet clinks)

(man sings in Arabic)

(man sings in Arabic)

- You're a monster.

You're a monster.

You're all monsters.

(man sings in Arabic)

- [Yousra] No.

- Mom. - I still love you.

- Mom.

Mom!

- [Yousra] Mo.

- Mama!

- [Yousra] No.

(footsteps shuffle)

Stop!

- Mama!

(flames crackle)

(muffled waves crash) (peaceful ethereal music)

(man hums)

(muffled waves crash)

(man hums)

(music continues)

(man hums)

(music continues)

- Hey, Hisham.

Hey.

Hey.

Wake up.

Hisham.

(music continues)

Please, God.

Don't do this.

If you love me, please don't do this.

(music continues)

(Mo chuckles)

(car approaches)

(driver speaks Arabic)

- [Mo] Help!

Help, please.

Come on.

(music continues)

(Peaceful music continues)

(Nagla speaks Arabic) - Mom, my arms are fine.

I can eat.

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

- Hisham.

I am getting more texts about your profile picture.

Can you please change it? - Yeah, sure.

My girlfriend and I posted it together.

She is liberal.

- You supported your friend, and the dead girl already.

Enough.

- No.

I'll keep it.

And her name is not "dead girl".

Have some respect for the dead.

- (speaks Arabic) Hisham.

(Nagla and Mustafa speak Arabic)

- Close the door, please.

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(door slams)

- You didn't have to do this for me.

- I did it for me.

- When Mom kidnapped me and they hit you on the head,

they took a piece of your shirt.

They'll curse us both now.

- [Hisham] I don't care.

- [Mo] It wasn't the curse that did this to us.

Really.

You don't believe me? - I believe you.

What was it?

- It's us.

Our love to them.

Our trust in them.

They've always cursed us.

And we've always lived.

It's never that.

Close your eyes.

(both chuckle)

- [Hisham] In the fucking hospital?

- You said you wanted something special in Egypt.

(Hisham chuckles)

It's a perfect spot.

- Mm-hm.

- And we have a story.

(Mo chuckles)

I know you can't wear yours, but I'll hold on to it-

- No, no.

(Hisham chuckles)

(paper tears)

(kisses)

Hey, hey, hey! Stop. (chuckles)

(kiss)

(Call to prayer - Azan)

- [Mo] I love you.

- [Hisham] I love you, too.

(gentle acoustic guitar music)

(music continues)

(horn honks)

- I hate driving him to the airport.

I never feel like I had enough.

I never saw him so heartbroken, like when you left.

(Nagla breathes deeply)

I know my son more than you think I do.

I've never seen him need someone so much.

- Really?

I always feel like I'm the one who needs him.

- That's what you think.

You're a good kid.

I'm sure your mother will see it, one day.

Until then, I wanted to tell you,

it's okay if you don't believe in religion, but if you do,

don't let anyone make you feel

that God closed the door on you.

Don't give anyone this power

to tell you that God is with them, and not you.

God is yours, as much as he's mine.

I know you don't like to come here,

but promise me

you'll convince him to visit more often.

- [Mo] Why don't you come visit us?

I'll take you around.

I'll show you all the places.

You'll have so much fun. Guaranteed.

- Don't tell him.

But I got my visa rejected twice.

I don't know why.

(Nagla sniffles)

He's so secretive.

Me, too. (Mo chuckles)

- [Mo] I wanna pray with you.

- It's not a correct prayer.

- I don't care.

I wanna pray with you, like last time.

And I won't let anyone tell me what's correct,

and what isn't.

I learnt from the best.

- Okay.

Quietly.

Don't let him know.

(man on radio speaks Arabic)

(man on radio speaks Arabic)

(button clicks)

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(Nagla speaks Arabic)

(cheerful music)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(dark music)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music fades out)