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Joyland

Play trailer 1:50 Poster for Joyland Released Apr 7, 2023 2h 6m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 87 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
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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Joyland

Joyland

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Calum Cooper The People's Movies Director Saim Sadiq makes excellent use of melodrama and cinematography in order to convey his scathing critiques. Rated: 4/5 Jul 17, 2024 Full Review Gisela Savdie Letra Urbana Joyland becomes a tribute to all men, women, and transgender people who bear the human cost of a patriarchal society, as well as a celebration of desire that creates indestructible bonds of love. [Full review in Spanish] Jul 14, 2024 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 Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (18) audience reviews
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 Full Review Christy C Very deep movie. All the characters feel authentic and unique. Loved all the story lines. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/28/24 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 Full Review Read all reviews
Joyland

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Cast & Crew

Metronom 91% % Metronom Watchlist Manglehorn 50% 25% Manglehorn Watchlist Balloon 100% 50% Balloon Watchlist James White 92% 70% James White Watchlist TRAILER for James White Stars at Noon 62% 14% Stars at Noon Watchlist TRAILER for Stars at Noon Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

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
Producer
Apoorva Guru Charan, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, Sabiha Sumar, Lauren Mann, Kathryn M. Moseley, Oliver Ridge, April Shih, Katharina Otto-Bernstein
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
Runtime
2h 6m
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