Banel & Adama
Kino Lorber | Release Date: June 7, 2024 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
70
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews
Positive:
11
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
83
IndieWireSophie Monks KaufmanMay 21, 2023
Banel & Adama is a striking debut that puts Sy on the map as a purveyor of deceptively gorgeous visions that show flimsy desires at the mercy of the social, and literal, weather. Read full review
81
TheWrapSteve PondMay 21, 2023
At an hour and 27 minutes, the film has the feel of an exquisite miniature, succinct and evocative. Read full review
80
Time OutPhil de SemlyenMar 18, 2024
From sombre Islamic prayers to café-touba-fuelled socialising, Banel & Adama is stitched beautifully together from the fabric of rural Senegalese traditions. Read full review
80
The Irish TimesTara BradyMar 15, 2024
Every beautiful frame casts a spell. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comGlenn KennyJun 9, 2024
The directorial debut of French-Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy, this is one of those pictures to which the phrase “every frame a painting” might apply. Read full review
70
The New York TimesManohla DargisJun 6, 2024
As Sy continues obliquely gesturing at meaning, you remain engaged but also find yourself wishing that all these many desperate pieces fit together more coherently. Read full review
70
Little White LiesFatima SheriffMar 12, 2024
While beautiful, the impression left by Banel & Adama is confusing. Read full review
70
VarietyJessica KiangMay 21, 2023
Sy’s film is a curious little fable, not quite fully formed in its final stages, and occasionally so sedate and opaque, under Bachar Mar-Khalifé’s melodic, piano-forward score, that it feels like it is drowsing. But it’s a striking debut nonetheless, especially as it revolves, with graceful poetry around the inner experiences of such a curious, unknowable woman. Read full review
70
Screen DailyWendy IdeMay 21, 2023
This sparse, atmospheric fable grows markedly in power in the second half, as Banel’s passion takes on an edge of violence and insanity. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterLovia GyarkyeMay 21, 2023
With Banel & Adama, Ramata-Toulaye Sy has conjured a stunning world in need of a sharper story. Read full review
67
The Film StageAlistair RyderJun 5, 2024
It’s far from perfect, but as an introduction to a brand-new voice it’s never less than compelling. Read full review
60
The GuardianPeter BradshawMay 21, 2023
While it is flawed, this film finds an assured place in the quietist tradition of African cinema with beautiful images and strong moments, and with relevant things to say about community, a woman’s place and the climate crisis. Read full review
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