Love in Morocco: A Sweaty, Dramatic Mess

Is this worth your afternoon?

Honestly, only if you have a massive soft spot for silent-era melodrama or you’re doing a deep dive into Rex Ingram’s filmography. If you want a tight plot that actually makes sense, you are going to hate this. It’s for the folks who like their movies to feel like an old, dusty postcard you found in an attic.

The whole thing feels like it’s held together by pure vibes and sheer willpower. There are these long, lingering shots where nobody says a word, and you start wondering if the camera operator just forgot to yell cut. Sometimes it works, but mostly it just feels like the actors are waiting for the wind to blow their scarves the right way.

Arabella Fields looks like she’s carrying the weight of the entire desert on her shoulders. I kept getting distracted by the sheer amount of jewelry everyone is wearing while walking through the sand dunes. Who goes on an arduous trek looking like they just robbed a high-end bazaar?

It reminded me a bit of the pacing issues in Diamond Handcuffs, where the atmosphere does all the heavy lifting. There’s a specific moment near the middle where the tension is supposed to be peaking, but instead, it just kind of fizzles out into a long stare-down. It’s funny in a way I’m sure wasn't intended.

• The sand gets everywhere, even in the frame.
• The dramatic lighting is peak performance, even if the acting is a bit hit-or-miss.
• I’m pretty sure one of the extras in the background is just looking for their lunch.

If you’ve seen Love in the Dark, you’ll recognize that familiar ache for romance that doesn't really go anywhere. It’s not a bad way to kill time, but don't go in expecting a life-changing experience. It’s just... there. Like a cactus in the corner of a room. 🌵

The ending felt abrupt, like they suddenly realized they ran out of film stock. I didn't mind it, honestly. It saved us another ten minutes of staring at the horizon.