Joyland

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2 hr. 6 min.

Drama

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98%

86 Reviews

Tomatometer

68%

50+ Ratings

Audience Score

The Ranas--a happily patriarchal joint family--yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line. Their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family's desire for sexual rebellion.

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Critics Consensus

With stunning honesty that's achingly bittersweet, Joyland tackles gender and sexual fluidity in a repressed patriarchal society with wisps of hopefulness.

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Adam L

Absolutely incredible!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/22/23

Full Review

dave d

Pakistani dramatic features aren't always on our radar and this isn't going to make us change our mind. It is fine, well-made, for certain, but lacking something to bring it all together. Weak-minded people who are poor. Sad, but a film it doesn't make. Artsy, but conceptually flawed. Final Score: 5.3/10

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/28/24

Full Review

Sameir A

Step into the enchanting world of 'Joyland,' a cinematic masterpiece directed by the talented debutant Saim Sadiq. This 2022 Pakistani film has earned accolades at prestigious international film festivals such as Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival, capturing hearts and minds with its profound narrative. Set against a backdrop of human relations, love, affection, and desire, 'Joyland' delicately explores the intricacies of life. What sets it apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate these complex themes without imposing, creating a harmonious and beautiful cinematic experience. The casting is nothing short of extraordinary; each actor seamlessly embodies their character, leaving you feeling as though no other option could have been as perfect. The film not only tells a compelling story but immerses you in a world where every emotion is felt deeply. For lovers of cinema, 'Joyland' is an absolute must-watch. Missing out would be a great loss. Don't let this cinematic gem slip through the cracks. #KiduMovie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

Full Review

Ali A

Finally a movie with depth and a unique story with beautiful cinematography and heart.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/11/23

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Christy C

Very deep movie. All the characters feel authentic and unique. Loved all the story lines.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/02/23

Full Review

Lucman A

The film vividly portrays a sexually repressed family in modern day Lahore. With its meticulously crafted screenplay and thoughtful direction, the movie captivates from start to finish. The deliberate use of a square claustrophobic 4:3 aspect ratio effectively enhances the film's sense of confinement and tension. The cinematography, skillfully employed, becomes an integral part of the narrative, contributing to the film's depth. While the entire cast delivers commendable performances, it's Ali Junejo's portrayal of Haider that stands out. His portrayal of vulnerability is exceptionally moving and resonates long after the credits roll. Investing time in watching this film is a decision you won't regret – it offers a compelling glimpse into the intricacies of human relationships amidst a challenging urban backdrop.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/02/23

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Saim Sadiq

Director

Ali Junejo

Haider

Rasti Farooq

Mumtaz

Alina Khan

Biba

Sarwat Gilani

Nucchi

Salmaan Peerzada

Rana Amanullah

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Joyland: Trailer 1

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Mark Jenkins

Washington Post

The theme of repression in a regimented society percolates throughout this melancholy and lovely Pakistani film.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 23, 2023

Full Review

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Ali Junejo’s performance ranks as one of the finest you’ll see in any year.

Rated: 3.5/4

May 17, 2023

Full Review

Hannah Bae

San Francisco Chronicle

What’s in a name? For Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq, there’s so much meaning wrapped up in the title of his extraordinary debut feature, “Joyland.”

Rated: 4/4

May 17, 2023

Full Review

Filipe Freitas

Always Good Movies

The realistic depiction, clarity of purpose, occasional gallows humor, and crucial message - with equality and freedom of choice at the center - are the reasons for the movie’s success, but the execution is a bit tacky...

Rated: 3/5

Sep 15, 2023

Full Review

Jillian Chilingerian

Offscreen Central

In his debut feature, Saim Sadiq crafts a story sensitive in nature and vibrant in visuals while tackling divided gender roles and repressed sexual desires in his homeland of Pakistan.

Jul 25, 2023

Full Review

Rudie Obias

Battle Royale With Cheese

Joyland is a lyrical and reflective film that’s intimate and tender mixed with nuance and poignancy.

Jul 5, 2023

Full Review

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Synopsis

The Ranas--a happily patriarchal joint family--yearn for the birth of a baby boy to continue the family line. Their youngest son secretly joins an erotic dance theatre and falls for an ambitious trans starlet. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family's desire for sexual rebellion.

Director: Saim Sadiq
Executive Producer: Malala Yousafzai, Ramin Bahrani, Elsa Ramo, Hari Charana Prasad, Sukanya Puvvula, William Sten Olsson, Jemima Khan, Owais Ahmed, Tiffany Boyle
Screenwriter: Maggie Briggs, Saim Sadiq
Distributor: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Production Co: All Caps, Khoosat Films, Extracurricular Productions, Left Handed Films, Diversity Hire, One Two Twenty Entertainment, Blood Moon Creative, Film Manufacturers, Astrakan Film AB, Noruz Films, Vidhi Films, Instinct Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Urdu
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 7, 2023, Limited

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