Lila Says

Chimo, a nineteen-year-old self-proclaimed loser, navigates life in an Arab ghetto in Marseille after the events of 9/11. Burdened by unemployment and low self-esteem, he struggles to find direction amidst his disillusioned peers.

Despite his evident talent for writing, Chimo neglects a free opportunity to attend a prestigious writers' school in Paris. Instead, he chooses to spend his time aimlessly among his friends, missing out on a chance to change his life.

Chimo becomes infatuated with Lila, a sixteen-year-old girl who moves into the neighborhood with her abusive aunt. Their first interaction is provocative and sets the tone for a complex and tumultuous relationship that unfolds.

As Chimo's feelings for Lila deepen, tension builds when his best friend Mouloud starts pursuing her as well. Mouloud's obsessive behavior leads him to harass Lila, making her increasingly uncomfortable in her own neighborhood.

Chimo grows increasingly disgusted with Mouloud's treatment of Lila, creating a rift in their friendship. His ethical stand against Mouloud's vile actions contrasts sharply with his friend's aggression.

Following Chimo's perceived betrayal, Mouloud unleashes his fury by assaulting Lila and her aunt, striking a devastating blow to the already fragile situation. This horrific event shatters Chimo, further complicating his feelings.

After the trauma, Chimo discovers Lila's scrapbook filled with false tales about her sexual experiences, revealing her true virginity. This shocking revelation complicates Chimo's feelings towards Lila even further.

With Mouloud's actions leading to chaos, Lila's aunt decides to remove her from the neighborhood altogether. Chimo is left heartbroken as he faces the impending loss of Lila from his life.

In a desperate attempt to reach out to Lila, Chimo convinces a police detective to allow him to call her. He manages to express his feelings with a simple yet poignant declaration of love, receiving an equally impactful response.

In the wake of his traumatic experiences, Chimo turns to writing as a means of processing his emotions. This newfound dedication serves as both a refuge and a tool for his personal healing.

Through his writing, Chimo eventually receives the scholarship to the writers' school in Paris that he previously dismissed. This represents a crucial turning point allowing him to escape his troubled environment.

Lila's presence in Chimo's life catalyzes a profound transformation for both of them. While her impact on his life is significant, Chimo's budding self-awareness also inspires Lila to confront her own challenges.