Short Film Review: ‘Saint Rose’ – A Quiet Rebellion Against Patriarchy

We often fail to truly understand the effects of patriarchal dynamics, particularly on the women who live under their weight. The line between being a partner and becoming a victim of emotional torture often gets blurred, which creates an imbalance that is suffocating.

Lebanese-American filmmaker Zayn Alexandre explores this complex subject in ‘Saint Rose‘, a creative short film that speaks volumes in just 13 minutes.

The film introduces us to Rose (played by Ghada Basma), a Muslim housewife seemingly drowning under the control of her husband. The final straw comes when he takes charge of their daughter’s engagement preparations, relegating Rose further into the background of her household. What unfolds is a quiet yet impactful story of resistance and breaking points.

From the very first few frames, ‘Saint Rose‘ introduces us to Rose’s home which seems peaceful yet fraught with tension. The call to prayer echoes faintly in the distance as Rose moves through her home, lighting candles and obsessively arranging candies for her guests. Her actions are meticulous, almost compulsive, as if compensating for a sense of powerlessness. The setting establishes not just her environment but her state of mind, which seems trapped, controlled, and walking on eggshells.

Also in their home is Becky (played by Sharon Chepkwemoi Watoka), their African housekeeper. Beyond her domestic duties, Becky becomes an enabler of Rose’s secret rebellion, supplying her with vodka. Hidden in the confines of her bathroom, Rose smokes, practices her Turkish and drinks her vodka creating moments of fleeting escape. As the evening unfolds, however, Rose’s facade begins to crack, and she reaches her breaking point.

What sets ‘Saint Rose‘ apart is its reliance on subtlety. The film’s dialogue is limited, leaving the audience to infer much of the narrative through what is left unsaid. Fortunately, the lead actor Ghada Basma’s performance makes it work. Rose’s stoicism is tinged with just enough emotional resonance to reveal her inner turmoil. Her nuanced portrayal ensures that Rose is not a caricature of despair but a fully realized character with layers that unfold as the story progresses.

Zayn Alexandre’s collaboration with cinematographer Karim Kassem is another highlight of the film. The visuals are intentionally simple yet striking, using natural lighting to mirror Rose’s emotional state. As her mental unravelling begins, the camera shifts to frantic movements and quick cuts, reflecting the chaos in her mind. The home itself is captured in ways that subtly convey the family’s social status while also feeling like a metaphorical prison for Rose.

The sound design further amplifies the film’s immersive quality. Even the presence of the off-screen characters is palpable, allowing the audience to share Rose’s heightened awareness of her environment. It’s a clever use of auditory storytelling that deepens the viewer’s empathy for the protagonist. We don’t who the threat is, but we equally share in her discomfort and anxiety.

However, ‘Saint Rose‘ does have a potential shortcoming: its message may not be immediately apparent to all viewers. The film demands attentiveness to grasp its full intent, which might alienate some audiences. This does not feel like a flaw in its execution but a deliberate choice. Perhaps a feature-length adaptation could provide more space to explore these themes and make its message more universally accessible.

Despite this, ‘Saint Rose‘ is a beautifully crafted short film that tackles the toxic effects of patriarchy with intent and sensitivity. Its exploration of how these dynamics push women to their limits resonates deeply.

I would score this short film 3.5 out of 5 stars. Hopefully, this is only the beginning of a larger conversation initiated by Zayn Alexandre.