To a Land Unknown (Arabia, Palestine, 2024)

To a Land Unknown (Arabia, Palestine, 2024)

To a Land Unknown is a gripping, tragic exploration of desperation and the lengths to which people will go when there seems to be no way out. The story focuses on cousins Chatila and Reda, two Palestinians stranded in Athens, endlessly plotting their escape to Europe. They scrape by through petty scams—Chatila fixated on their goal of freedom and reuniting with the rest of his family in Germany, while Reda seeks temporary escape in drugs. The film carefully builds their relationship, highlighting the deep bond between them, especially Chatila’s role as the protective one, even acting like a father figure to Reda.

For every step toward freedom the cousins take, the film instills hope that this time might be different, only to tragically pull the rug out when things inevitably go wrong. Director Fleifel masterfully demonstrates the relentless hardship of every attempt they make: from acquiring fake passports to resorting to purse snatching, only to find themselves once again empty-handed. The film does an excellent job of fostering empathy for characters who, on the surface, are criminals, making us question whether we want them to succeed or face the consequences of their actions.

Shot with a basic documentary-like realism, the film feels raw and immersive, as though you’re living their daily struggles alongside them. Mahmood Bakri delivers a standout performance, fully embodying Chatila’s journey and making the audience understand the weight behind his desperate decisions.

The tension builds to a final, heart-pounding plot that keeps viewers guessing until everything clicks into place, though the film leaves certain plotlines unresolved with an abrupt ending. Despite this, To a Land Unknown is a powerful, empathetic portrayal of refugees, shedding light on their sacrifices and reminding us of the privileges we often take for granted.