Despite the subject matter, 2014 Malian drama Timbuktu still spots some humor through simple contradiction– straightforwardly depicting the occupying force enforcing certain rules upon a city, but not themselves, and with the city biting back in their own way, pointing out the silliness themselves. It’s these raw moments that lightens the entire film, humanizing both the militant group and the city inhabitants, but it’s also the reason why the moments when that lightheartedness is broken, the punishments end up becoming harsher, strikes harder than usual. It’s that uncertainty that keeps the audience on its toes, and that keeps the film from mining melodrama from the real life occupation. Timbuktu just simply highlights the foolishness of imposing an ideology to snuff out everyday culture.

The direction.