Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Where Are You Going, Habibi? is about a friendship between Ibo, a closeted Turkish man fresh out of college, and Alexander, a straight criminal he’s fallen in love with.
After graduating from college, Ibo (Cem Alkan) starts looking for a job while still living with his parents. He secretly works at an adult bookstore and is gay, but not out to his parents. One day Ibo answers the door to a handsome man, Alexander (Martin Wald), who he can’t take his eyes off of. When he hears the police questioning one of his neighbors about a man who fits Alexander’s description, Ibo pulls him inside and closes the door. When the police knock on the door looking for Alexander, he tells them he hasn’t seen him. Alexander thanks him, then leaves when the coast is clear.
Once Alexander is gone, Ibo goes back to his life. He talks to Lars (Anton Korppi-Tommola), a man he’s having a long-distance relationship with, and looks for employment, only to realize that nobody will hire him because he’s Turkish. When he sees Alexander on the street, he follows him into the gym where Alexander boxes. Ibo joins the gym, and he and Alexander start talking.
One day Ibo sees two men beating up Alexander and rushes to him, breaking up the assault. He calls an ambulance, and Alexander is taken to the hospital.
The next day Ibo visits Alexander at the hospital, and discovers that Alexander is straight, but not homophobic. While Ibo helps Alexander recover, they become friends. The film follows the ups and downs of their evolving friendship.
Some Thoughts:
On the surface, Where Are You Going, Habibi? feels like it should be a romance, but it’s actually a story about friendship. Ibo is clearly enamored by Alexander, who doesn’t return his feelings. However, Alexander does appreciate Ibo’s kindness, which in turn brings them together.
For a simple story, there’s a lot going on. The film touches upon issues of race and sexual orientation but doesn’t delve too much into either one or become preachy. The topics are woven into the story, presenting as situations Ibo must overcome.
What seems a bit confusing is Ibo’s boyfriend, Lars (Anton Korppi-Tommola), who has to move away for some unknown reason. Because it’s obvious that Ibo isn’t interested in pursuing a serious relationship with Lars, it’s hard to understand why they stay in touch. I get that the film is showing a mirror image of Ibo’s friendship with Alexander, but the Ibo/Lars relationship doesn’t seem to benefit either party. It also doesn’t help that it gets discarded once it’s no longer useful.
As it’s presented, Ibo sees Alexander and immediately falls in love with him. I didn’t understand the initial attraction, but it felt more realistic as the movie went on.
Director Tor Iben presents the story naturally and allows the viewers to make their own opinions on the situations presented. The acting is decent, which makes the relationship between Ibo and Alexander plausible.
The Final Verdict:
Where Are You Going, Habibi? is an interesting take on a buddy movie. While the situation is believable, the main character’s motivation could have been explored deeper.
If you’re interested in other movies directed by Tor Iben, check out my review for The Year I Lost My Mind.
