Is Older Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Older represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Romance category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Amine is fifteen, a high school kid like any other. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Romance are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Amine is fifteen, a high school kid like any other. He has a girlfriend, Lou, and lives an ordinary life. One day, he has a bicycle accident, another one. This time, a young woman offers him a helping hand. She says his injured knee needs looking after, it's not a pretty sight. She lives nearby, so she takes him to her place. She's very relaxed with him, natural, sure of herself, happy in a world where everything seems so easy. He feels close to her, and finds her attractive. But is he attracted to her, or to this world that is so foreign to him? When he leaves, he notices that her apartment can be seen from the street, so he makes a plan to spy on her every day."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Adil Dehbi is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Adil Dehbi captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Louda Ben Salah-Cazanas is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 28 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Older truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Romance, then this is a mandatory viewing experience—a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Older explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Louda Ben Salah-Cazanas respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Older is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Adil Dehbi or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Older is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.