Mandoob Review: Darkly Amusing Gig-Economy Satire on Riyadh’s Mean Streets

This film, titled “Mandoob” in its original release and translated as “Night Courier” for English-speaking audiences, has achieved massive box office success in Saudi Arabia. The country only recently ended a 35-year ban on cinemas in 2017.

The movie is a satirical dark comedy focusing on Fahad, portrayed by Mohamad Aldokhei. Fahad, akin to a Deliveroo-style driver, unexpectedly finds himself entangled in alcohol bootlegging. Aldokhei’s portrayal evokes Robert De Niro’s iconic characters, particularly Travis Bickle and Rupert Pupkin, with a touch of Jake Gyllenhaal’s Lou Bloom in “Nightcrawler” for a more contemporary comparison.

The narrative begins with Fahad losing his job at a call center for being rude to customers. His efforts to bluff his way out of trouble are in vain, culminating in an over-the-top scene where he assaults his line manager with a fire extinguisher. After being terminated, Fahad turns his part-time delivery gig into a full-time job. Navigating the streets of Riyadh at night, he delivers packages to affluent residents in luxury penthouses. Ahmed Tahoun’s cinematography captures Fahad’s sense of isolation with a cold, detached lens.

Directed by rising-star Ali Kalthami, the film offers a glimpse into a Riyadh in transition. The city is modernizing, yet Fahad remains trapped in the past. He misreads the kindness of an ex-colleague as romantic interest, although she clearly sees him as well-meaning but pitiable. Meanwhile, Fahad’s sister, Sara, is launching her own cookie business and doesn’t really need his help, although Fahad insists on portraying himself as her protector.

The plot thickens when Fahad discovers an alcohol dealer one night and impulsively steals his stash, seemingly clueless about the inevitable consequences. While the movie might not sustain enough dramatic tension to function as a lean thriller, it succeeds as a humorous and unsettling exploration of a toxic man who fancies himself a potential success. Aldokhei’s lead performance is notably impressive.

• “Mandoob” is in UK and Irish cinemas from 30 August.

Source: Metis Films