A French and Spanish film that made its US premiere at Fantastic Fest was Sirât. Directed by Oliver Laxe (Mimosas, Fire Will Come), who also wrote the screenplay with Santiago Fillol (Mimosas, Fire Will Come), the film takes place in North Africa. It follows a father, along with his young son, searching for his missing daughter at a remote desert rave. With no luck, the pair find themselves tied to a group of traveling ravers willing to help, taking them all on a journey filled with physical and mental tests.

There are some films that focus on the destination, while others highlight the journey. Sirât is definitely the latter. Laxe begins the film by introducing the father and son as they search for their missing loved one at a desert rave in the middle of nowhere. Already feeling hopeless, things get worse when the authorities come to shut down the rave and send all Europeans home due to a dangerous uprising. Unwilling to give up his search, the father follows a group of ravers who claim there is another rave soon as they break through the military blockade. What begins as an uneasy alliance between a family of blood and a found family shifts over time as the road trip throws challenge after challenge at the travelers. It makes the journey through the desert feel like a spiritual pilgrimage, forcing each individual to take a good hard look at their own lives. Sirât is most definitely a slow burn, and the focus on the journey over the destination won’t be for everyone, but it’s impossible to deny the power of this suspenseful, thought-provoking, emotional film. It will make audiences laugh, it will make them cry, and it will have them anxiously on the edge of their seats.

Many of the themes in Sirât help create depth to the plot and heighten the stakes. Right away, audiences will notice the importance of music. Not only does the film begin at a rave, but the group the father and son follow often stop to listen to rave music, dancing while the speakers blast so loudly you can feel it in your chest. It’s clear the music and dancing is a form of therapy, allowing these people to move and drown out thoughts as they work through their emotions. Not only is this a powerful message that adds to the idea of this film being a spiritual experience, but it also shows ravers and rave culture in a different, more positive light. There’s also an obvious theme of the family you’re born into compared to the family you choose. The father and his son are searching for their blood, but perhaps she left for a reason and has chosen a new family that better understands her. The ravers seem like a band of misfits, but it’s clear they love each other and would do anything each other. Over time, the father begins to see that love, and even begins to become part of this odd little family. Yet throughout the Sirât, one of the most interesting elements is that idea of the journey. The father and his son are on one journey, going to great lengths and putting themselves in harms way to find the daughter. Similarly, the ravers do the same for the sake of finding the next rave. This constant searching only leads to chaos and ruin. It forces the characters and audience to ponder, if you are constantly seeking something, how can you appreciate what you have?

While Sirât features one actor many horror fans will likely recognize, most of the cast is filled with actors making their feature film debut. Sergio López (Pan’s Labyrinth, Dirty Pretty Things) stars as Luis, the man looking for his daughter. While everyone is on their own journey in the film, Luis’s search for his daughter is the main driving force. López is great at conveying a father’s desperation, even as he is also filled with mistrust and trepidation toward the ravers, seeing them as the kind of people who took his daughter away from home. The group of ravers includes Stefania Gadda, Joshua Liam Henderson, Richard “Bigui” Bellamy, Tonin Janvier, and Jade Oukid. These first-time actors all give phenomenal performances. They really come across as a family who has traveled together for years. Each of them also has a somewhat hardened, intimidating appearance that quickly fades when their generosity and kindness comes to light.

Every single sight and sound throughout Sirât is absolutely breathtaking. Filmed in Spain and Morocco, the film uses the desolate, desert landscapes to highlight the characters’ isolation from the rest of the world. The cinematography is stunning, really showcasing both the beauty and the danger throughout the journey. With how important music is to the plot of Sirât, it’s no wonder the sound design is brilliantly executed. The score by Kangding Ray creates a wonderful, bass-heavy soundscape combining the spiritualism of the film and the danceability of rave music. In addition, the sound design goes a long way to emphasize both the quiet moments of contemplation and the thunderously loud scenes sure to shock audiences. With how much effort went into creating the sounds of Sirât, I highly recommend seeing this film in theaters so audiences can feel every heart-pounding moment in their bones.

Sirât is a spiritual experience, taking the audience on an unrelenting ride filled with tension, love, and music. Laxe and Fillol crafted a truly fascinating story. By focusing on the perilous journey, it allows for a character-driven plot addressing various themes, ultimately leading to one message: learn to love what you have before it’s gone. López and the cast of new faces all deliver phenomenal performances, adding an authenticity to the characters. Even if you’ve never been a big fan of raves, the music and sound design set in the desert will no doubt win over audiences everywhere. Be sure to witness the sights and sounds of Sirât in select theaters November 14th.

OVERALL RATING: 9/10