Once Upon a Time in Gaza
In a tightly controlled Gaza, a young man's quest to avenge his murdered friend is unsettled by an encounter with the killer.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- brooding
- bleak
- festival viewing
- serious film night
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as a strongly received, politically charged drama with substantial tension and moral complexity.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Yahya pursues vengeance for Ossama's brutal murder, but meeting the killer changes the direction of his quest.
The plot unfolds as Hamas tightens control over Gaza, placing Yahya's personal revenge within a climate of political control.
The film concentrates its revenge drama in Gaza, where tightening control and limited personal freedom heighten the conflict.
Yahya's encounter with Ossama's killer alters his understanding of the vengeance he seeks.
Films like Once Upon a Time in Gaza, and why
Omar
shares a Palestinian setting, political repression, morally fraught violence, and a tense thriller structure
Paradise Now
shares Gaza-centered political tension, friendship under pressure, and morally destabilizing choices
The Insult
shares politically charged Middle Eastern drama, escalating personal conflict, and ethical ambiguity
Movie Details
- Directors
- Arab Nasser, Tarzan Nasser
- Release Date
- 2025-06-25
- Runtime
- 87 min
- Rating
- 5.4 / 10 (15)
Cast
- Nader Abd Alhay
- Majd Eid
- Ramzi Maqdisi
- Is'haq Elias
- Said Saada
- Hussein Nakhleh
- Osama Malhas
- Abood Obeid
- Michael Zananiri
- Hayfa Alrabee
Common questions
- What is Once Upon a Time in Gaza about?
- In a tightly controlled Gaza, a young man's quest to avenge his murdered friend is unsettled by an encounter with the killer.
- What is Once Upon a Time in Gaza like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Once Upon a Time in Gaza as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Once Upon a Time in Gaza violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Once Upon a Time in Gaza as moderate.
- What did critics think of Once Upon a Time in Gaza?
- Critics broadly regard the film as a strongly received, politically charged drama with substantial tension and moral complexity.
- Which films are like Once Upon a Time in Gaza?
- Films with a similar feel include Omar, Paradise Now, and The Insult.
- How long is Once Upon a Time in Gaza?
- Once Upon a Time in Gaza runs 87 minutes.
