X
  • 2021
  • Variance Films
  • 1 h 14 m
  • 2021
  • Variance Films
  • 1 h 14 m
Scales

Summary Set in a dystopian landscape, Scales is the story of a young strong-willed girl, Hayat, who lives in a poor fishing village governed by a dark tradition in which every family must give one daughter to the sea creatures who inhabit the waters nearby. In turn the sea creatures are hunted by the men of the village. Saved from this fate by h...

Directed By: Shahad Ameen

Written By: Shahad Ameen

  • 2021
  • Variance Films
  • 1 h 14 m
  • 2021
  • Variance Films
  • 1 h 14 m

Scales

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
72
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary Set in a dystopian landscape, Scales is the story of a young strong-willed girl, Hayat, who lives in a poor fishing village governed by a dark tradition in which every family must give one daughter to the sea creatures who inhabit the waters nearby. In turn the sea creatures are hunted by the men of the village. Saved from this fate by h...

Directed By: Shahad Ameen

Written By: Shahad Ameen

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
72
86% Positive
6 Reviews
14% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 7 Critic Reviews
72
86% Positive
6 Reviews
14% Mixed
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
80
Jul 8, 2021
It tests your tolerance for ambiguity as well as your visual acuity. Yet the spell it casts justifies the intense anxiety it creates by depicting a black-and-white society in which men have worth and women don’t.
By Joe Morgenstern FULL REVIEW
79
Jul 8, 2021
Scales is a grim movie as much as it’s a gorgeous one. It isn’t without hope, but hope is in short supply, on land and underwater.
By Andrew Crump FULL REVIEW
75
Jul 9, 2021
While some elements of the story don’t work as well as the visual playground Ameen sets up for her characters, Scales is still an impressive feature debut.
By Monica Castillo FULL REVIEW
70
Jul 9, 2021
Saudi director Shahad Ameen’s mesmerizingly bleak fable Scales accomplishes something many films attempt but generally bungle: It tells a highly symbolic tale while conveying recognizable human emotions.
By Bilge Ebiri FULL REVIEW
70
Jul 8, 2021
With its glittering black-and-white cinematography, immersive sound design, eerie score and creepy reveal, the film taps into something primal and chilling, with the taut first third particularly strong. But the narrative’s momentum and clarity dissipate in the middle and final sections even as the visuals continue to impress. Still, the boldly inventive Scales marks Ameen as a talent to watch.
By Alissa Simon FULL REVIEW
67
Jul 8, 2021
With a more patient script that’s richer in character detail, Scales could have been breathtaking. As it stands, it’s a slight visual feast.
By Orla Smith FULL REVIEW
60
Jul 8, 2021
Ameen prioritizes symbolism teeming with sensory spirit over plot-based narrative, which ultimately renders her attempt at making a political statement too opaque and disjointed to have much of an impact.
By Beatrice Loayza FULL REVIEW

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Details

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Production Company Imagenation Abu Dhabi FZ, Film Solutions, The Imaginarium, Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji Productions (IIFC)
Release Date Jul 9, 2021
Duration 1 h 14 m
Genres
Tagline Set in a dystopian landscape, SCALES is the story a young girl who stands alone against her family and overturns the village tradition of sacrificing the female children.
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Awards

Sydney Science Fiction Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
Carthage Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Singapore International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations

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