Perfumed With Mint: A Poetic Stoner Journey Through Post-Revolution Egypt
Diving into the Depths of Inertia and Memory
Muhammad Hamdy’s debut feature, Perfumed With Mint, emerges as a captivating Egyptian stoner film that resonates like a haunting poem. Imagine Cheech and Chong transformed into weary, revolution-scarred souls, meandering through the ruins of a broken city. Here, hashish serves not just as a way to numb painful memories, but also to stave off the surreal manifestations of mint in a world grappling with the shadows of a lost rebellion.
A Story of Loss and Lamentation
Our protagonist, Bahaa (played by Alaa El Din Hamada), is an embittered doctor who encounters a distraught mother lamenting her deceased son. His unique prescription? A joint. The film unfurls as Bahaa navigates a labyrinth of dilapidated apartments, entrapped in a nocturnal purgatory haunted by memories of love lost—particularly the enigmatic Dalal. Alongside him is Mahdy (portrayed by Mahdy Abo Bahat), and together they seem to have become mere apparitions in a landscape rife with regret.
Echoing through the decaying architecture are the ghostly voices of their peers—a former Black Block activist reflecting on the futility of revolution, and another friend who suffered a brutal end at the mercy of bullets. In this world, lamentation becomes a way of life.
A Distinctly Visual Experience
Hamdy’s storytelling, rich with long dialogue scenes, draws heavily from the Arabic poetic tradition, yet the exchanges are sharpened by a biting wit. For instance, Mahdy quips, “Talk to the letter,” referring to Bahaa’s waterlogged note from his ex that leaves him perpetually damp, eliciting both laughter and empathy.
The cinematographic flair on display is notable—Hamdy, an Emmy-winning cinematographer known for his work on The Square, brings a visual poetry that enhances the narrative. His use of chiaroscuro creates an atmospherically rich backdrop, complemented by hauntingly ambient panning shots that recall Antonioni’s iconic techniques.
The Weight of Stasis
As Perfumed With Mint unfolds, it embraces moments of prolonged stasis that begin to feel weighty. Yet, this is an intentional choice by Hamdy to reflect the inertia of a society still reeling from the loss of its revolutionary fervor, now under the oppressive rule of President el-Sisi.
The recurring imagery of mint—a plant that springs forth from Mahdy’s hair and the wounds of others—serves as a potent symbol of decay but also hints at a mythical return to nature. As the story approaches a surprisingly uplifting climax, the mint’s reappearance may signify a potential for renewal amidst despair.
Fresh Perspectives in Egyptian Cinema
Despite its occasional languor, Perfumed With Mint defies convention with a refreshing approach to storytelling. It’s a narrative woven with threads of nostalgia, revolution, and the relentless passage of time, offering viewers a unique cinematic experience that resonates deeply with the socio-political context of modern Egypt.
✨ Catch Perfumed With Mint at the ICA London starting June 27th, and immerse yourself in this thought-provoking exploration of memory and identity in a post-revolutionary landscape.
