Deserts

The meticulous detail that Mehdi and Hamid are 'exactly the same size, and wear the same suits and ties, as well as the same shoes' is a significant visual cue. It serves to underscore their shared existence, their interchangeable roles within their low-paying jobs, and perhaps a lack of individual identity. This uniformity makes their subsequent divergence into an 'unforeseen and mystical journey' all the more impactful, suggesting a potential shedding of their old selves or a deeper exploration of their connection.

The narrative's emphasis on traversing the 'villages of southern Morocco' in an 'old car' and the pivotal event occurring at a 'gas station planted in the middle of the desert' strongly implies a visual focus on the stark beauty and isolation of the landscape. The contrast between the characters' drab suits and the expansive, potentially dramatic desert vistas could create striking imagery. The 'mystical journey' hinted at further suggests that the direction might lean into evocative visuals to convey the film's more abstract or surreal elements.

The description of the protagonists embarking on an 'unforeseen and mystical journey' after a chance encounter strongly suggests themes of fate and destiny are at play. The stark, isolated setting of southern Morocco, coupled with the sudden appearance of a handcuffed stranger, creates a potent environment for such explorations. It hints that the characters' lives, seemingly dictated by their uninspiring work, are about to be irrevocably altered by forces beyond their control, leading them down an unexpected path.

Viewers can anticipate a film that begins with a grounded, perhaps even bleak, portrayal of working-class life in rural Morocco. The protagonists, Mehdi and Hamid, are presented as underpaid collectors navigating a tough reality. However, the introduction of the 'Evader' and the subsequent 'unforeseen and mystical journey' suggest a significant tonal shift. The film appears poised to blend elements of social realism with surreal or unexpected plot developments, promising a unique viewing experience.

The vast, arid landscapes of southern Morocco are more than just a backdrop in 'Deserts'; they are an integral element shaping the film's atmosphere and narrative. The 'villages' and 'shabby hotels' suggest a sense of isolation and economic hardship, mirroring the characters' likely financial struggles. The 'gas station planted in the middle of the desert' becomes a focal point for disruption, a place where the mundane collides with the extraordinary, underscoring the film's shift towards the unforeseen and mystical.

The film features a cast including Fehd Benchemsi and Abdelhadi Talbi, who portray the long-time friends and debt collectors Mehdi and Hamid. Their on-screen chemistry is crucial, as they mirror each other in appearance – identical suits, ties, and shoes – highlighting their shared, perhaps monotonous, existence. Rabii Benjhaile, Hajar Graigaa, and Mohamed Choubi also form part of the ensemble, contributing to the unfolding narrative alongside the central duo and the enigmatic 'Evader'.

'Deserts' centres on the unlikely journey of two collection agency workers, Mehdi and Hamid, who traverse the desolate villages of southern Morocco. Their monotonous routine of chasing debts in their old car and enduring shabby hotel stays is shattered by an encounter at a remote desert gas station. The arrival of a mysterious 'Evader', handcuffed to a motorcycle, injects an element of the unforeseen and mystical into their lives, setting the stage for a narrative that promises to be far from ordinary.