‘A milestone for Arab cinema’ — director and stars discuss ‘Perfect Strangers’

The cast of 'Perfect Strangers.' Front Row (from left): Nadine Labaki, Mona Zaki, Diamand Bou Abboud. Back row: Fouad Yammine, Georges Khabbaz, Eyad Nassar, Adel Karam. (Netflix)
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Updated 25 January 2022
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‘A milestone for Arab cinema’ — director and stars discuss ‘Perfect Strangers’

  • The first Arabic-language Netflix original movie has been a huge success both regionally and internationally thanks to stellar performances from the cast and its first-time director

DUBAI: It’s been a long time since an Arabic-language film has dominated conversation across the Arab world quite like “Perfect Strangers” currently is. The first original Arabic-language Netflix film — an adaptation of the award-winning Italian original of the same name — has been trending across the region since its launch on January 20, inspiring both overwhelming praise for its stellar performances and fierce debate over the questions it poses. 

“Perfect Strangers” was helmed by Lebanese director Wissam Smayra and features several of the region’s most-acclaimed actors, including Egypt’s Mona Zaki and Eyad Nassar alongside Lebanon’s Georges Khabbaz, Diamand Bou Abboud, Nadine Labaki, Adel Karam, and Fouad Yammine.




“Perfect Strangers” features several of the region’s most-acclaimed actors. (Netflix)

Set during a dinner party held by a group of Egyptian and Lebanese friends, the film revolves around a game in which each person puts their mobile phone on the table, exposing to the rest every call or message that they receive. What starts off as light fun quickly descends into dramatic chaos as painful truths come to light. 

The film has already stirred controversy on social media with some Twitter users accusing the movie of “moral degradation” and “putting Western ideas in a conservative society” — a claim the cast and crew thoroughly refute.

Much of the anger has originated in Egypt, according to the Hollywood Reporter, with one example being Egyptian lawyer Ayman Mahfouz who claimed that the movie is a “plot to disrupt Arab society.”

“The film touches on taboos, but it’s not about the taboos,” Zaki, the biggest star in Egyptian cinema, tells Arab News. “The main idea is about the privacy we hide in our phones, how we keep secrets from everyone around us, and how — for so many of us — even those who we are closest to know nothing about us.”

Bou Abboud defines the point of the film further: “It’s about exploring the exact limit to which we can reveal ourselves to the closest people around us and not be judged.” 

“We tackle each topic without (judgment),” adds Smayra. “We’re not trying to prove anything. We are just going into reality and focusing on the human interactions it inspires.” 

The film is a landmark in more ways than one, an eminently accessible mainstream drama that has immediately found a global audience, trending at the top of Netflix in countries including France and proving that Arab film is reaching a turning point both in terms of quality and widespread popularity, regionally and internationally. 




Lebanese director Wissam Smayra. (Netflix)

“Respect (for Arab film) is starting to really grow. And this is a milestone, I think,” says Labaki, the Oscar-nominated director of “Capernaum.” 

To achieve the naturalistic style of “Perfect Strangers,” Smayra approached the film much like a piece of theater, rehearsing the script from start to finish with his actors for weeks on end, and filming the entire project chronologically rather than out of order, as is the norm for most films.

During filming, Smayra and the cast would meet every day out of costume and without make up, running through that day’s 10-minute scene 20 to 30 times in a row for hours until it became second nature, before filming the scene that night.  

“This is when you know that you have amazing actors,” says Smayra. “It wasn’t normal — these were crazy, insane geniuses. I was witnessing something magic.

“We worked with two cameras. Each day, we would start shooting for three or four hours until it was done,” he continues. “It was insane. Afterwards I could see they were all drained.” 

“And that was even though we were all just sitting around a table!” says Zaki. “It was an emotional drain.”




Nadine Labaki and Georges Khabbaz on set. (Netflix)

“It was easy for me, though,” adds co-star Karam, who also starred in the Oscar-nominated film “The Insult,” with a smile. 

Part of the reason for most of the cast’s constant exhaustion was that, unlike most films, there were no breaks for the actors. Because of the multiple handheld cameras and the nature of the story, the troupe could never drop out of character.

“The way it was shot was very important. You had to be present the whole time — even if it's not your moment, even if you know you're not going to be talking for a while,” says Labaki. “We were present not only as characters but as ourselves, watching the performance of somebody else that is so real that you really feel you're in it, you really identify, and you start thinking about your own situation. It was really fascinating.”

Smayra, who, like Labaki, got his start directing music videos in Lebanon in the early 2000s, has worked with Labaki in the past, executive producing “Capernaum.” Though it was his first feature-length film, he was a soft-spoken but assured presence, and never leaned on his fellow director in the cast as others have. 

“I never felt I was working with a first-time director,” says Labaki. “I felt from the start that this was going to be great; I was in good hands. Because of that, my only concern became doing the best I can for the character, and for everybody else, because you feel like everybody's performing on such a high level. I felt like I needed to be up to the expectations, and up to the standard they were all setting. I really loved this whole adventure.” 




“Perfect Strangers” is an adaptation of the award-winning Italian original of the same name. (Netflix)

For Egyptian star Nassar, what was truly remarkable is how nothing was lost in translation, and all the power he felt in the moment remains on the screen in the final cut.

“I told Wissam, ‘You are a magician.’ As an actor, I knew the subtleties I had introduced while filming and I knew the best moments of the other actors,” he says. “Watching it, there are no missing moments. All the actors’ power was there, nothing lost in the editing. He was seeing everything. I’ve never seen that done so well.”

And Nassar says that, to his surprise, he left the set a changed performer. “After I finished ‘Perfect Strangers’ and got back to Egypt, I had a different style of acting,” he says. “Working with actors such as Georges Khabbaz allowed me to see other schools of acting.” 

Khabbaz, Lebanon’s most renowned stage actor, found the film uniquely challenging, though he ends up being the film’s quiet and soulful anchor and has received an outpouring of praise online for his performance.

“I am a man of the stage,” Khabbaz explains. “The stage has vast space, which allows you to express using all tools.  This role was different. It was difficult. To do it, I had to keep my emotions closer to my chest, and show them only in reactions. I tried to do this role as an Eastern man but maintaining the Western concept of the movie. For this performance, I became a man of reaction, not a man of action.”




The film is trending at the top of Netflix in countries including France. (Netflix)

While some of the discussion around the film has focused on why Arab cinema is producing remakes rather than crafting original stories, each cast member made sure that “Perfect Strangers” responded to that concern with gusto, crafting a true piece of art that stands as the best version of the concept — one possessed with a uniquely Arab spirit — rather than a lazy cash-in. 

“Throughout the filming, my inner question was: ‘Why are we making this movie?’ We constantly discussed how we could present this material as Eastern people for an Eastern audience,” says Nassar. “The answer lay in how the dilemma the film poses affects Eastern people uniquely. We ended up discovering during the whole filming process why we were doing the Arabic version of this movie. In the end, it was very clear to all of us, and it will be to audiences, as well.”


Review: ‘Doom: The Dark Ages’ sets new bar for first-person carnage

Updated 31 May 2025
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Review: ‘Doom: The Dark Ages’ sets new bar for first-person carnage

LONDON: The first “Doom” game back in 1993 helped define the first-person shooter genre, spawning numerous sequels and even a Hollywood film. Now it is back, and in a crowded market packed with chaotic shooters and arena brawlers, this game slices its way into the pantheon with style — and a spinning shield saw.

Boasting 22 adrenaline-soaked levels, “Doom: The Dark Ages” sticks to the classic formula of annihilating every enemy in the room before moving on. Yet it rarely pauses for breath, charging through its campaign. While there are secrets to uncover and collectible toys to find, it always feels hurried, pushing players forward with breakneck urgency.

Where it stands out is in its innovative combat tools — a shield saw that doubles as a melee weapon, a flail for crowd control, and a shield charge that turns defense into offense. Combat is fast, demanding, and utterly satisfying, especially in boss fights where success hinges on timing and picking the right attack for the enemy.

The gunplay is awesomely brutal and weapons evolve through Sentinel Shrines, letting players fine-tune their arsenal to match the rising difficulty. This isn't just a shooter; it’s a metal-fueled ballet of aggression, where being passive is punished and staying alive means staying angry.

The music? Pure heavy metal fury, matching the gameplay beat for beat. Visuals run at a crisp 60 frames per second and every environment drips with cosmic dread, from crumbling hellscapes to star-forged citadels. The new cosmic realm adds visual diversity, while massive set-pieces like dragon-riding with autocannons and piloting giant sentinels crank the spectacle to 11.

This is bone-crunching mayhem at its finest. It’s Halo-esque in scope, “Doom”-like in execution, but ultimately a beast of its own making.


Basmah Felemban unpacks memory, identity in Riyadh solo show ‘Vessel of Wreckage’

Updated 30 May 2025
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Basmah Felemban unpacks memory, identity in Riyadh solo show ‘Vessel of Wreckage’

RIYADH: Seasoned Saudi artist Basmah Felemban’s work will make you think. In her latest solo exhibition, “Vessel of Wreckage,” which runs at ATHR Gallery in Riyadh until June 26, she combines elements that many of us can relate to while being authentically, fully herself.  

“In the past five or six years, my practice has been really an investigation of my family roots from Indonesia and — kind of as a result of getting into sci-fi — to have some imaginary explanations of those reasons why they came from Indonesia to Saudi, because I failed at the factual research, really,” Felemban, who lives and works between London and Jeddah, tells Arab News. 

“When did my family move? This is one of the mysteries — part of the myth of the family. I have no idea. I’d say that my granddad came to Saudi for work, probably in the Seventies. But I’d learned that Felemban, our last name, comes from an island called Palembang, so in kindergarten I used to tell people I was a princess because I’m used to, like, the Al-Saud family and Saudi Arabia, so I thought since I’m Felemban from Palembang, I must be a princess.” 

Growing up, Felemban assumed that they had no Saudi relatives, until her brother serendipitously found out that they had cousins in town.  

“I realized, ‘Oh! We do have extended family here; we’re just not connected to them.’ And that’s also part of the myth and the lore of our family story. Once I realized that, it kind of clicked with me that our identities are really just a construct — it doesn’t really matter if they’re factual. I don’t think my family intentionally tried to lie. I think they believed this was the story.” 

All of this was part of Felemban’s world building.  

“I think, in Hejaz in general, people came from all over and there was this whole umbrella under which we wanted to identify as ‘Saudi’ for a lot of time. Like, if you speak to me about anything Indonesian, I would have no idea, because my family really assimilated,” she says, adding that she hopes to visit Indonesia soon.  

“I wouldn’t say I feel like I’m part of a diaspora, even if I am, factually. But I think Saudi is a very specific, special case in terms of identity. I feel like I’m more interested in the family story and why their connections are the way they are. 

“I didn’t grow up in an environment where ours was a weird story,” she adds. “Even my friends that are Bedouin are still also away from where they are from.” 

Here, Felemban talks us through several works from the show. 

‘Pulang (To Go Home)’ 

Photo: AN/Huda Bashatah

There are five ship windows looking out on five different topics that I researched, from facts to absurd sci-fi stories. They’re videos collected from YouTube — just rabbit holes I fell into. I really like to document my research and my notes, then my work grows like a mind map — I connect words and then try to connect concepts between those words and visuals. The first window starts with a propaganda documentary about the colonial history of Indonesia and its impact on folklore dances and music. Then a scene that a lot of my world is based on; Indonesian pilgrims reciting a religious song about the prophet. 

I realized that another connection between Indonesia and Saudi is catfish — another creature of myth. A few years ago, people realized that there’s a lot of huge catfish in Wadi Hanifa and they started to ask: How did they come here? I like that, as a myth. In Indonesia, the catfish is a really huge asset, but also has some negative connotations.  

‘Fish from the Ground’ 

This work talks about the catfish myth. They are an invasive species and tend to be really vicious and really quick to adapt, so in less than a couple of hundreds of years it was able to evolve from swimming to being able to ‘walk,’ almost on land. That’s likely where the term ‘catfishing’ comes from.  

‘Wave Catcher’ 

When I was approached by the Islamic Arts Biennale (in 2023), I thought, ‘My work is quite futuristic, very colorful and digital, so how can (make it fit) in?’ I think of this work like an ancient machine used by the catfish to collect data by listening to sounds of the calls to prayer from countries around the Red Sea. And by hearing it, the fish are able to measure distances, and study the water and such. That thought was based on research from lectures from scientists. 

‘The Gömböc, the Turtle and the Evolution of Shape’ 

Photo: AN/Huda Bashatah

This is a game based on a lecture by a scientist. If you put the headphones on, you can hear the lecture and then when you reach the top of this fish mountain, there’s a room that has a table that also existed in the lecture and you can interact with that. It’s a video game I made with my husband. He’s an economist so he helps me a lot with conceptualizing what data could be like — that kind of geeky aspect of my work. It’s very experimental and it’s a little bit janky — in the best way possible!  

‘Elemental Sprite’ series  

These AI works — “Sphere,” “Rod,” “Disc,” and “Blade” (shown here) — are based on some of the same research as “Wave Catcher,” which is some sort of mathematical study of pebbles and the way that pebbles change in nature. But also, if you scan one of the squares, it animates. I’m very much a digital artist at heart and AI is something I’m really interested in, but I have to say that I don’t use AI in engines; I use sort of ‘offline AI.’ I use the modules themselves, the interfaces. Every six months, AI completely changes in quality because it really develops, and I learn more too. This is almost like a documentation of my learning curve, and of the technology itself. 

‘Before Asphalt’ 

These are pictures that I stole from my dad before he passed away. He used to work at the municipality, and these were pictures from the Nineties documenting some of the potholes around Jeddah. I like to think of the city as a galaxy and the potholes as portals. The yellow looks like slime — I’m definitely a cartoon girl and this is like “(Teenaged Mutant) Ninja Turtles” sludge. I think maybe it’ll appear again in another work and I’ll get more into this portal idea. 


REVIEW: Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ — ‘Indiana Jones’ wannabe fails miserably

Updated 30 May 2025
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REVIEW: Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ — ‘Indiana Jones’ wannabe fails miserably

DUBAI: You know those fake films you see in TV shows like “30 Rock” or, more recently, “The Studio”?  Guy Ritchie’s latest misfire, “Fountain of Youth,” captures that vibe perfectly.

A chaotic, charmless attempt at action-adventure, “Fountain of Youth” clearly takes its inspiration from “Indiana Jones,” but ends up as a muddled mess of clichés, clunky dialogue, and a lead who never quite convinces.

The latter is John Krasinski as Luke Purdue, an archaeologist-turned-art thief racing to uncover the location of the legendary Fountain of Youth — believed to be capable of bestowing eternal life — with the help of rich benefactor Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson), a billionaire with a fatal illness who’s ready to throw all his money into the quest.

When things go awry, Luke reaches out to his younger sister Charlotte (a resplendent Natalie Portman) for help. The squabbling siblings then set off on a globetrotting adventure, while being chased by shadowy organizations and Interpol.

The problem? Krasinski brings all the gravitas of a put-upon history teacher on a school field trip. There’s a stiffness to him that means you never quite shake off the sense that he’s just playing dress-up.

Portman and Gleeson fare better. Portman, playing a sharp-tongued art curator and a mother on the brink of divorce, injects moments of tension and vulnerability that almost make you care about the story. Gleeson, meanwhile, steals every scene he’s in as he descends into villainy. But even their combined charisma fails to inject life into the limp script.

Other noteworthy performances come from Eiza Gonzales, who plays Esme, just one of the many people trying to stop the siblings from uncovering the Fountain of Youth; and Arian Moayed, who plays Interpol’s Inspector Abbas.

Ritchie’s signature snappy style is drowned under a deluge of poorly choreographed chase sequences, same-y set pieces and exposition-heavy dialogue. The film looks expensive but feels lazy, with international locations reduced to postcard backgrounds.

“Fountain of Youth” wants to be thrilling, funny and smart. Instead, it’s repetitive, cringey and talks down to its viewers.


Recipes for success: Chef Georges Ikhtiar offers advice and a tasty beef recipe 

Updated 30 May 2025
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Recipes for success: Chef Georges Ikhtiar offers advice and a tasty beef recipe 

DUBAI: Georges Ikhtiar, head chef at Amelia Dubai, grew up in Beirut, where he remembers watching his mother cook “by instinct, without recipes or rules.”  

That early exposure sparked a curiosity not just for flavors, but for the process of cooking — how ingredients transform, how timing and technique matter. This eventually led him to Lebanon’s Ecole Hôtelière. 

A pivotal career moment came during his time in Peru, where he was introduced to the country’s bold, acidic and layered flavors. This now shapes his approach at Amelia, where he blends Peruvian ingredients with Japanese methods. 

Amelia Dubai. (Supplied)

Here, Ikhtiar reflects on how mistakes can lead to creative breakthroughs, and gives his thoughts on simplicity in cooking.  

When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made? 

Like many young chefs, I believed that more was more — that adding extra ingredients or steps would somehow elevate a dish. I loved experimenting, and while that spirit of curiosity still drives me today, I’ve learned that simplicity is key. The most powerful flavors often come from restraint and letting the ingredients speak for themselves. 

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs? 

Taste constantly. It’s the most important tool you have. And don’t let mistakes throw you off — every error is a lesson. Some of the best ideas I’ve had started as accidents. Cooking at home should be fun, not stressful. 

What’s one ingredient that can instantly improve any dish? 

In Peruvian cuisine, it’s definitely lime. It brings brightness, aroma and a sense of freshness that can completely transform a dish. Just a few drops can awaken the palate and sharpen and enhance every other flavor. 

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home? 

A simple truffle pasta. I soak the pasta to speed up the cooking time, then toss it with a creamy truffle sauce, fresh shaved truffles and parmesan. It’s rich, comforting and comes together fast, but still feels luxurious. 

Amelia Dubai. (Supplied)

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?  

Always. It’s part of the job. I’m always observing, analyzing, and seeing what I like or don’t like. But I keep it to myself; dining out is also about experiencing what other chefs are creating. 

What’s the most common mistake you notice in other restaurants? 

It’s usually to do with balance or execution, like undercooked elements, seasoning that is off, or dishes that feel overcomplicated. 

What’s your favorite cuisine? 

I gravitate toward Japanese and Peruvian food, naturally, but I’m always curious to explore. I like to see how others approach flavor, presentation and structure. Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. 

What request or behavior by customers most annoys you? 

Honestly, nothing. I believe taste is subjective and the customer is always right. We’re here to create an experience that works for them, not just for us. 

Georges Ikhtiar grew up in Beirut. (Supplied)

What’s your favorite dish to cook? 

It is a dish called Adas be Hamid, which means lentils with lemon. My grandmother used to make it when I was growing up in Beirut. It’s incredibly simple but full of flavor and warmth. Cooking it always takes me back to my roots, and I love how food has the power to do that. 

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right? 

Risotto. It’s a very delicate dish that reacts to everything — temperature, timing, movement, even the humidity. You have to be fully present when making it. One misstep and the whole texture is off. 

As a head chef, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback? 

I’m direct and hands-on, but not someone who shouts. I believe in open communication, mutual respect and building trust. My team and I have worked together for a long time, so we understand each other without needing to say much. There’s a flow in the kitchen when everyone is aligned, and that’s what I strive for. 

Chef Georges Ikhtiar’s hokkaido machu picchu recipe 

Ingredients: 

For the beef: 

250g beef tenderloin 

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

Cooked over a robata grill (or any hot grill pan) 

For the teppanyaki vegetables: 

2 tbsp vegetable oil 

20g Chinese cabbage, chopped 

3 rainbow baby carrots, sliced 

20g mange tout (snow peas) 

10g shiitake mushrooms, sliced 

20g baby corn, halved 

1 spring onion, thickly sliced 

2 tbsp soy sauce 

2 tbsp kimchi sauce 

2 tbsp sake sauce (optional for extra depth) 

For the shiitake sauce: 

300g fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced 

1L fresh cream 

200ml milk 

Salt and black pepper, to taste 

1 small onion, chopped 

1 tbsp butter 

Instructions:  

1. Grill the beef: 
Season beef with salt and pepper. Grill on a robata grill until cooked to your liking. Let it rest before slicing. 

2. Sauté the vegetables: 

Heat oil in a pan. Add the vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes. 
Add soy sauce, kimchi sauce, and sake sauce (if using). Stir well and cook until just tender. Season with pepper. 

3. Make the shiitake sauce: 
In a saucepan, sauté onions and mushrooms in butter until soft. 
Add cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and let simmer. Boil twice to bring out full flavor, then remove from heat. 

To plate: 

Slice the grilled beef. 

Place the sautéed vegetables on a serving plate. 

Lay the beef slices on top. 

Spoon the warm shiitake sauce to the side or over the top. 

Optional: If using a hot stone for serving, you can lightly reheat the meat on it just before eating for a fun finishing touch. 


Where We Are Going Today: Iris Cafe in Riyadh: diverse menu, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to like?

Updated 29 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Iris Cafe in Riyadh: diverse menu, inviting atmosphere. What’s not to like?

Iris Cafe is an elegant dining destination nestled within the new Ramla Terraza complex, offering a delightful blend of food and ambiance. Located on King Fahd Road in the Sahafah district of Riyadh, this cafe and restaurant boasts a beautiful interior, complemented by both indoor and outdoor seating options. The upper floor features a stunning garden with an open seating area and a mocktail bar, perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink in a serene environment. 

The menu at Iris Cafe is a culinary journey, showcasing gourmet dishes inspired by international cuisines, including Mediterranean, Japanese, and Latin American flavors. Guests can indulge in a variety of offerings, from sandwiches and pasta to vibrant salads. The drink selection is equally impressive, featuring specialty coffees and a creative array of mocktails alongside delicious desserts. 

Visitors may begin with the Iris Oriental Dips, which include creamy black hummus, spicy roasted chickpeas, and special muhammara seasoned with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, all served with homemade crackers. This appetizer sets a high standard for the meal to follow and does not disappoint. 

However, the chicken tacos, featuring buttermilk-fried chicken topped with Asian slaw in a soft tortilla, are less memorable. On the other hand, the crispy chicken and shrimp wontons served with sweet chili and lime sauce are a highlight and a must-try. 

For the main course, you may try the glazed chicken, marinated and grilled with pomegranate sauce. The beef cheek, slow-cooked for 12 hours and served with caramelized onion cream, is absolutely delicious. This dish is a standout and sure to impress anyone looking for tender, flavorful meat. 

The San Sebastian cheesecake is rich and incredibly satisfying. Overall, Iris Cafe offers a wonderful dining experience with its diverse menu and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot in Riyadh.