On the 13th of December, sometime in the mid-1970s, a wealthy family threw a party in their mansion, numbered 13, with 13 guests of their closest family and friends— what unfolded that night left lingering impacts and consequences. Is there something coincidental about the number 13? That is the question that Egypt’s latest thriller film Youm 13 (Day 13) tries to uncover.d Released in theaters on 21 April, Youm 13 is the first local feature film to be released in 3D technology in the Arab world. Directed and written by Wael Abdallah, the film stars Ahmed Dawood, Dina El-Sherbiny, Sherif Mounir, Magdy Kamel, and a number of other celebrated actors and actresses. Without forcing blood and gore, Youm 13 is a razor sharp, tension-filled thriller that respects the intelligence of the audience. The film follows Ezz El-Din (played by Ahmed Dawood), who returns to his family mansion in Cairo from Canada. After his return, Ezz El-Din stumbles upon unexpected adventures and is forced to confront an eerie part of his past—forgotten by the passage of time. As a thriller, Youm 13 is arguably only enjoyable as of the second half…
Review | A Low-Grade Thriller: Youm 13: The Arab’s World First 3D Film
May 17, 2023
