Cherien Dabis wrote and directed this vaguely Chekhovian comedy-drama, in which she also stars as May, a successful author who returns to her native Jordan to prepare for her wedding. Her fiancé, a Columbia University professor, has remained behind in the States to finish the semester, which gives May plenty of time to reconnect with her two sisters and divorced mother, Nadine (Hiam Abbass). The reunion is not all roses: her siblings squabble about their unfulfilling lives, while Nadine, a devoted Christian, frets over the fact that May is marrying a Muslim, which she insists will cause problems—even if he claims not to be religious. Adding to the tension is the presence of May's American father (Bill Pullman), whose young Indian girlfriend questions his fidelity, a situation that only adds to May's own doubts about going through with the ceremony—an uncertainty that only increases following her chance meeting with an attractive young tour guide. The strength of the film lies in the natural quality of Dabis's script and solid work by the cast to create the family dynamic during the first half. Unfortunately, the plot grows increasingly artificial, and when Dabis adds a touch of political comment—the sudden appearance of a warplane that interrupts the sisters' day at a resort—the effect feels hollow. Still, this should be considered a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)
May in the Summer
Cohen, 99 min., in English & Arabic w/English subtitles, R, DVD: $24.98, Blu-ray: $29.98, Jan. 20 Volume 30, Issue 2
May in the Summer
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