Going to Heaven

Going to Heaven

Year: 2015

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: Arabic

Director: Saeed Salmeen Al Murry

Drama

Eleven-year-old Sultan, who lost his mother at a young age, searches for genuine connection and affection. Inspired by an old box containing his grandmother’s photograph and clues, he embarks on a journey with his best friend, Saud, to locate her in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. It's a heartwarming tale of friendship, family, and a young boy's quest to find a missing piece of his past.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Going to Heaven (2015)

Trace every key event in Going to Heaven (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Loss and relocation to Abu Dhabi

Sultan loses his mother at a very young age, and his world changes forever. After his father remarries, the family moves to Abu Dhabi, where he must cope with a tense home life and a stepmother who keeps him at a distance. He seeks solace in three pet goldfish, which become a quiet counterpoint to the growing emotional distance at home.

early childhood Abu Dhabi
2

A fragile peace and small comforts

The home atmosphere remains fragile as the stepmother's harsh rules threaten to erase what little innocence Sultan has left. The goldfish provide a steady, calming presence amid the strain of daily life. Sultan clings to these simple comforts as he navigates his new family dynamic.

childhood Abu Dhabi
3

Longing for grandmother

Sultan yearns to reconnect with his estranged maternal grandmother, a figure distant from the family. Fatima reveals that their father is hiding a photograph and a tape recording of the grandmother, heightening the sense of a hidden past. This revelation sets the stage for a hopeful but uncertain quest.

recent events Abu Dhabi
4

The decision to search for grandmother

Propelled by the discovery, Sultan resolves to find his grandmother, hoping to reclaim a sense of belonging. The journey promises answers, but it also demands courage to confront the distances that keep family apart. The quest turns from speculation into a concrete plan.

start of quest Abu Dhabi
5

Saud joins the mission

Sultan is joined by his older friend Saud, who brings planning, investigative curiosity, and steadfast support. Saud's love of motorcycles and football mirrors a youthful spirit that helps them face uncertainty on the road. The two boys become essential partners in the journey toward the grandmother.

before departure Abu Dhabi
6

Running away from the school trip

The pair hatch a plan to skip a school trip to Dubai and instead strike out toward Fujairah. What begins as an impulsive escape becomes a grand, life-tested adventure. Their resolve is tested as they turn an ordinary school day into an epic journey.

school trip day Dubai
7

Road trip across the Emirates

They traverse hundreds of kilometers across the UAE, facing uncertainty yet buoyed by their camaraderie. The journey tests their resilience and deepens their friendship as they navigate the vast landscapes between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. The brothers-in-arms rely on shared hope to push forward.

on the road Across the United Arab Emirates
8

Encountering surprises and clues

Along the way they encounter surprises that push them to piece together the missing slices of their family history. Each clue about the grandmother brings them closer to a place they can finally feel they belong. The search blends adventure with a growing sense of responsibility.

mid-journey On the road across UAE
9

Arriving at the grandmother's presence

Their journey leads toward the grandmother, portrayed by Mariam Sultan and voiced by Nada Al Midfa, whose memory anchors the quest. The encounter crystallizes the idea that roots and memory guide a person toward hope. They begin to see a path forward through the family's past.

culmination Fujairah
10

Lessons of belonging, loyalty, and family

The grandmother's presence and the family's history teach Sultan about belonging and loyalty, underscoring the enduring power of family ties. The story uses their travel across the Emirates to illustrate how culture and memory shape a young life. He learns that family can provide direction even when the road ahead is uncertain.

culmination Fujairah
11

Technology and communication

The narrative foregrounds how technology intrudes on traditional forms of connection, echoing the photograph and tape as symbols of a buried past. Sultan confronts the modern tension between digital life and intimate family memories. This theme threads through the quest as a reminder of how connection can endure beyond devices.

during journey
12

A hopeful future and growth

The journey blossoms into a nuanced portrait of a boy's growth, set against the UAE's landscapes. Sultan emerges with a renewed sense of belonging and a quieter courage to seek his place in the world. The film closes on a hopeful note about family, tradition, and the future that lies ahead.

finale Across the UAE

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 06:45

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Childhood Adventure Quests like Going to Heaven

Lonely young protagonists embark on hopeful quests to find family and belonging.If you enjoyed the heartfelt journey in Going to Heaven, you'll appreciate these movies featuring young protagonists on quests for family and identity. Discover similar stories of hope, friendship, and emotional discovery in films about children searching for a place to belong.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a child, often coping with loss or a sense of displacement, who sets out on a tangible journey. This quest serves as a metaphor for their inner search for identity and emotional healing. The story is linear and character-driven, focusing on small triumphs and the deepening bonds formed along the way, culminating in a resolution that offers closure and warmth.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared focus on a child's perspective, a quest-driven plot, and a tone that balances melancholy with unwavering hope. They deliver an emotionally resonant experience that is both poignant and ultimately uplifting, celebrating the strength found in youth and connection.

Movies about Cultural Roots like Going to Heaven

Character-driven stories where a search for heritage leads to personal healing.Explore more films like Going to Heaven that delve into themes of cultural heritage and family reconciliation. These steady-paced dramas follow characters on journeys to uncover their past, offering similar feelings of nostalgic discovery and emotional fulfillment.

contemplativenostalgicsearchingheartwarmingculturalemotionalhopefulroots

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist, often feeling somewhat adrift, who discovers clues or motivations that compel them to seek out their familial or cultural origins. The plot unfolds at a deliberate pace, prioritizing emotional depth and cultural details over high drama. The conflict is often internal—a struggle with identity—and is resolved through the act of reconnection, leading to a satisfying sense of wholeness.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific blend of a steady, contemplative pace, a focus on cultural or familial themes, and an emotional journey centered on identity and reconciliation. They provide a thoughtful, resonant viewing experience for those interested in stories about personal history and belonging.

Unlock the Full Story of Going to Heaven

Don't stop at just watching — explore Going to Heaven in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Going to Heaven is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Going to Heaven Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Going to Heaven, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Going to Heaven Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Going to Heaven

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Going to Heaven. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Going to Heaven

Going to Heaven Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Going to Heaven that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Going to Heaven Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Going to Heaven

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