Horses of God

In 1994, we meet *Yachine*, also known as Tarek, and his aggressive older brother *Hamid* in the shanty town of *Sidi Moumen* near *Casablanca*. They are joined by friends *Nabil*, who has a troubled family background, *Fouad*, a pot smoker, and *Khalil*. Together, they navigate their harsh realities of life in extreme poverty.

As they grow older, *Hamid* turns to crime to support his family, becoming a drug mule. His criminal activities highlight the desperation of their living conditions and foreshadow the dangerous path that he and his friends will follow. This ultimately sets the tone for the darker elements of their story.

In a pivotal scene, the boys steal alcohol from *Khalil*'s father's wedding. This youthful rebellion leads to a tragic confrontation where *Hamid* violently attacks a drunken *Nabil*, showcasing the deep-seated issues of aggression and despair among them. This moment exacerbates the boys' troubled lives.

By 1999, *Sidi Moumen* has expanded significantly coinciding with the death of *Hassan II* of Morocco. During this period, *Hamid* rises as a drug dealer, while the boys remain entrenched in boredom and despair. Meanwhile, *Yachine* develops feelings for *Fouad*'s sister, *Ghislaine*, adding a layer of complexity to their lives.

*Hamid* faces legal trouble after throwing a rock at a corrupt policeman, *Pitbull*, resulting in a two-year prison sentence. This forces *Yachine* to navigate life without his older brother's influence. The political unrest in the area further complicates their lives, especially for those like *Tamou*.

Following the September 11 attacks, *Hamid* renounces drugs and embraces radical Islam upon his release from prison. His drastic transformation serves as a critical turning point for him and *Yachine*, reflecting the broader societal shifts at this time. They find themselves drawn into a dangerous new ideology.

In a tragic twist, *Yachine* kills *Ba'Moussa* after the latter attempts to assault *Nabil*. Struggling with immense guilt, *Yachine* confides in *Nabil* while being increasingly influenced by *Abou Zoubeir*, leading him further down the path of radicalization. The dark reality of their choices begins to unfold.

Under the guidance of *Abou Zoubeir*, *Yachine* and *Nabil* become deeply indoctrinated into extremist ideologies alongside *Khalil* and *Fouad*. This transformation sees them training in jujutsu and embracing a violent belief system. The ideological fervor intensifies as they bond through their shared convictions.

By November 2002, *Tarek* and his friends have fully embraced their radical beliefs. They are welcomed into the inner circle of a militant group, causing tension with *Hamid*. This pivotal shift marks them as willing participants in a dangerous plot, with the painful reminder of *Ghislaine* haunting *Tarek*.

In February 2003, law enforcement disrupts a radical gathering, increasing tensions within the group. Their leaders emphasize martyrdom, compelling the young men to abandon their fears of death for a higher cause. This galvanizes their resolve and propels them closer to carrying out their violent intentions.

As May 2003 approaches, anticipation builds for their planned attack, leading to growing anxiety among the group. After a close call with police, the attack is postponed, yet their hunger for violence only escalates. This moment reflects their mental struggles and the looming threat to innocents in *Casablanca*.

On May 15, the group returns to *Sidi Moumen* to finalize preparations for their impending attack. *Tarek* faces internal conflict as *Hamid* desperately tries to dissuade him from going through with their violent plans. This tension builds the emotional stakes leading into the final act.

On May 16, *Tarek*, *Nabil*, and *Fouad* carry out their plan amidst the lively streets of *Casablanca*. *Fouad*, paralyzed by fear, abandons the mission, leaving *Tarek* and *Nabil* to proceed alone. The screen fades to black as the tragic consequences of their actions unfold, leaving an indelible mark on their community.

In the haunting conclusion, children in *Sidi Moumen* play football while distant explosions reverberate through the city. The end credits note the **2003 Casablanca bombings**, recounting the tragic events and revealing the devastating impact of radicalization on young lives caught in the turmoil of their environment.