It Must Be Heaven

2019 1h 42m French 6.9

Action, Comedy, Drama

Like a modern Jacques Tati with a hint of Buster Keaton, the director, writer, and actor, Elia Suleiman, embodies another silent version of himself, coming up with new, even subtler and more ingenious ways to portray the Palestinian ghettoisation. This time, in search of homeliness, Suleiman's alter ego travels from Nazareth to Europe, making the first stop at picturesque Paris to promote his movie, and then, off he goes to bustling New York City. There, he meets his friend, the actor, producer, and writer, Gael García Bernal, who is eager to lend a hand; however, it seems that his film is not Palestinian enough. But, when confronted with life's inherent absurdity, what else is there to do but sit back and stare in bewilderment?—Nick Riganas