Sirat – Film Review
Reviewed by Harris Dang on the 5th of March 2026
Madman presents a film by Óliver Laxe
Screenplay by Santiago Fillol and Óliver Laxe
Produced by Domingo Corral, Óliver Laxe, Xavi Font, Pedro Almodóvar, Agustín Almodóvar, Esther García, Oriol Maymó, Mani Mortazavi, and Andrea Queralt
Starring Sergi López, Bruno Núñez Arjona, Richard Bellamy, Stefania Gadda, Joshua Liam Henderson, Tonin Janvier, and Jade Oukid
Cinematography Mauro Herce
Edited by Cristóbal Fernández
Music by Kangding Ray
Rating: M
Running Time: 115 minutes
Release Date: the 26th of February 2026
Set in the deserts of Southern Morocco, Sirat tells the story of Luis (Sergi Lopez). Alongside his son, Esteban (Bruno Nunez Arjona), and pet dog, Pipa, Luis is searching for his missing daughter, Mar. His journey leads him to a group of ravers, consisting of Bigui (Richard Bellamy), Stef (Stefania Gadda), Josh (Joshua Liam Henderson), Tonin (Tonin Janvier), and Jade (Jade Oukid).
Luis is informed Mar could be at another rave taking place further into the desert. When the military arrive to stop the party and order the European partygoers to evacuate, the lead crew tag along with those heading to the next event albeit at the objections of the ravers.
The trip is increasingly treacherous but the group bonds. Meanwhile, radio reports say two countries are on the brink of a cataclysmic event of worldwide proportions. Their mettle is tested when a tragic incident happens, compromising the group’s morale. After all that, the worst is yet to come.
Ever since Sirat premiered at Cannes in 2025, it has received an amazing number of accolades in its festival run, including two Oscar nominations. Director Oliver Laxe described his film as “very hypnotic and very sensorial” and his “most political” and “most radical” film to date. With its intriguing premise, its cinematic potential and positive buzz, does Sirat justify the hype?
In its opening scene, the rave is set up and the soundscape (thanks to the electro score by Kangding Ray) is deafening and immersive. It lulls the audience in with a sense of calm that blocks out the entire world around them. Story details are sparse, exposition is minimal, and the chance for audience participation is plentiful. It leads one to experience, ponder, and let the soundscape wash over them.
With the support of cinematographer Mauro Herce (shooting on Super 16 mm), Laxe vividly establishes the world. He captures the sound and elements in such a way that it bridges genres. His film veers between road movie, science-fiction, and survival drama in seamless and surprising ways.
What truly unnerves the audience is the music’s absence. The sound design highlights the elements (the sounds of the vehicles struggling in the rocky terrain, the accelerating winds, and sudden explosions) and adds immense tension to the journey.
The characterisations are scant and most of the characters are played by non-actors. Notably, everyone apart from Lopez and Nunez is a non-professional actor. What they lack in acting prowess, they compensate for in lived-in experience, on-screen presence, and genuine camaraderie.
Additionally, the thespian heavy lifting is handled by Lopez. His portrayal of inner turmoil and desperation lends the film much-needed emotional weight and thematic power with its implicit leanings toward worldwide chaos.
There are factors in the story left unexplained, which might deter audiences. However, the midpoint changes the game in such a sudden, shocking manner that it will leave audiences’ expectations shattered. It’s a rollercoaster ride that consistently surprises. Even with the tumultuous events, Laxe leaves enough fertile ground for food-for-thought and ambiguity for audiences to ponder, such as why Luis’ daughter is missing in the first place and how it coincides with the war events.
Overall, Sirat is a remarkably intense and turbulent experience that combines existentialism with genre thrills. Its strikingly cinematic soundscape is unforgiving and unforgettable. Highly recommended.
Summary: Sirat is a remarkably intense and turbulent experience that combines existentialism with genre thrills.
5
Amazing
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