A chance encounter in Casablanca reveals the hidden struggles of unwed mothers in Morocco
In short: Directed by Maryam Touzani, the 2019 drama Adam explores the intersection of two women's lives in Casablanca. When a pregnant, unwed woman seeks refuge with a widowed baker, the film unearths the social pressures and legal dangers facing women outside traditional structures, drawing inspiration from a real-life act of kindness.
The narrative of Adam centers on Samia, a young woman navigating an unplanned pregnancy while unmarried, a status that carries significant legal and social weight in Morocco. Her path crosses with Abla, a widow who operates a bakery in Casablanca. Despite the inherent risks of harboring someone in Samia's position, Abla chooses to take her in, creating a quiet, intimate space where the two women form a bond amidst their respective hardships.
Maryam Touzani, the director, rooted the film in a personal memory from her youth in Tangier. Her parents once provided shelter to a heavily pregnant woman who had nowhere else to turn during a period when being an unwed mother was strictly prohibited by law. This formative experience serves as the emotional bedrock of the film, transforming a private act of compassion into a broader cinematic meditation on solidarity, motherhood, and the constraints placed upon women within a conservative society.
Upon its release in 2019, the film received critical attention, notably appearing in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. It was also selected to represent Morocco in the competition for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, though it did not secure a nomination. Critics have generally responded favorably to the work, with the film currently holding an 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 23 reviews, reflecting its resonance with audiences and its success in bringing a sensitive, often overlooked subject to the global stage.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Adam (2019 Moroccan film)
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