Horses of God

Horses of God

Year: 2014

Runtime: 115 min

Language: Arabic

Director: Nabil Ayouch

Drama

Set in the deprived Sidi Moumen slum, the film follows two young brothers struggling to find their place. Hamid's circumstances lead him toward a dangerous path, and imprisonment marks the beginning of his radicalization into Islamic fundamentalism. After his release, he enlists his friend Yachine and others, following the guidance of Imam Abou Zoubeir as they pursue a violent cause.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Horses of God yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Horses of God (2014)

Trace every key event in Horses of God (2014) 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

Introduction to Characters

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.

1994 Sidi Moumen
2

Hamid's Descent into Crime

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.

1994 Sidi Moumen
3

The Tragic Incident

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.

1994 Khalil's father's wedding
4

Shanty Town Expansion and Hamid's Drug Empire

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.

1999 Sidi Moumen
5

Hamid's Imprisonment

*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*.

1999 Sidi Moumen
6

Transformation After September 11

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.

Post-2001 Sidi Moumen
7

Yachine's Guilt and Escalation

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.

Post-2001 Sidi Moumen
8

Indoctrination into Radicalism

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.

Post-2001 Islamic compound, Sidi Moumen
9

Embracing Martyrdom

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*.

November 2002
10

The Call to Violence

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.

February 2003
11

Building Up to the Attack

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*.

May 2003 Near Casablanca
12

Final Preparations

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.

May 15, 2003 Sidi Moumen
13

The Horrific 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.

May 16, 2003 Casa de España, Casablanca
14

Aftermath and Reflection

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.

Sidi Moumen

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:51

Unlock the Full Story of Horses of God

Don't stop at just watching — explore Horses of God 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 Horses of God is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Horses of God Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Horses of God, 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.

Horses of God Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Horses of God

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Horses of God

More About Horses of God

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Horses of God: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Horses of God

Similar Movies to Horses of God

Discover movies like Horses of God that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.