Theeb

Theeb

Year: 2015

Runtime: 100 min

Language: Arabic

Director: Naji Abu Nowar

AdventureDramaThriller

Amidst the turmoil of the Ottoman Empire's collapsing frontiers, a Bedouin family faces disruption when a British officer and his guide seek a guide to a vital water source. Hussein reluctantly agrees to lead them, but his young and adventurous brother, Theeb, embarks on a secret journey, following closely behind. The journey tests the bonds of family and tradition against the backdrop of a changing world.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Theeb 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 & Setting – Theeb (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Theeb (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1916

The year 1916 was marked by World War I and the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule. Political tensions and shifting alliances define this era, influencing the lives of Bedouins and soldiers alike. The backdrop of war and colonial ambitions creates a profound atmosphere of danger and uncertainty in which the characters navigate their fates.

Location

Desert, Roman well, Ottoman railway station

The vast desert serves as a relentless backdrop to the story, symbolizing both isolation and survival. Central to the plot is a Roman well, which is not just a source of water but also a scene of tragedy and tension. The journey leads the characters to an Ottoman railway station, a critical point during a time of conflict, connecting distant lands and cultures.

🏜️ Desert 💧 Water source 🚉 Railway

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Main Characters – Theeb (2015)

Meet the key characters of Theeb (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Theeb

Theeb is a young, curious boy forced to navigate the treacherous realities of the world after losing his family. His determination, despite his youth, defines his character as he confronts dangers head-on while grappling with the grief of loss. Through various encounters, he evolves from innocence to a hardened survivor who seeks justice for his brother.

👦 Youth ⚔️ Determination 💔 Loss

Hussein

Hussein, Theeb's older brother, embodies protective instincts and familial responsibility, grappling with the heavy burden of loss and leadership. His decision to keep Theeb safe reveals his caring nature, yet it’s also tinged with the tragic awareness of their fragile existence in a war-torn environment. Hussein's untimely death sets Theeb on a path of vengeance.

👨‍👦 Brotherhood 💔 Loss ⚖️ Responsibility

Hassan

Hassan is introduced as a gravely injured raider, initially at odds with Theeb but later becomes pivotal in his survival journey. His cunning and self-preserving nature highlight the morally ambiguous choices individuals make in desperate situations. Ultimately, Hassan's betrayal leads to his downfall, fueling Theeb's transformation.

🧛 Betrayal 💔 Danger 🤝 Conflict

Edward

Edward is a British officer whose presence in the Bedouin camp triggers a series of tragic events. His character represents the foreign influence in the region during a volatile period, yet his motives remain enshrouded in mystery, leading to the disastrous confrontation that claims lives and alters Theeb's destiny.

🇬🇧 Imperialism ⚔️ Conflict 💔 Loss

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Major Themes – Theeb (2015)

Explore the central themes of Theeb (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Survival

Survival is a central theme in 'Theeb,' as the young protagonist grapples with a hostile world after the loss of his family. His determination to overcome obstacles—and eventually confront his brother's murderer—highlights the instinctual drive to preserve life amidst chaos and violence in the unforgiving desert landscape.

🤝 Trust and Betrayal

The movie explores complex dynamics of trust and betrayal, particularly through Theeb's relationship with Hassan. Initially forced into an alliance for survival, Theeb learns the harsh lesson that compassion can be manipulated, leading him to confront betrayal with retribution. This theme underscores the dangers of misplaced trust in a world ravaged by conflict.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:32

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

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.

Bleak coming-of-age movies like Theeb

Stories of young protagonists forged by brutal survival and traumatic loss.For viewers who liked Theeb, this section features movies about young protagonists facing brutal survival tests. These similar drama and adventure stories explore traumatic loss and forced maturity in harsh, unforgiving landscapes, often ending on a somber note.

grittysombersurvivalistoppressivemelancholicharshlonely

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a linear descent from security into peril, where a young character loses their guardians and must navigate a dangerous world alone. Key beats involve betrayal, the death of mentors, and the protagonist's evolution from innocence to a survival-driven, often vengeful, state of being.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are united by their focus on a child's perspective within a cruel world, a steady and methodical pacing that builds inevitable dread, and a consistently bleak tone that offers little respite or hope, resulting in a heavy emotional weight.

Slow burn survival dramas similar to Theeb

Methodical journeys of endurance against vast, unforgiving environments.If you enjoyed Theeb's portrayal of survival in the desert, explore these movies with a similar steady pace and high intensity. These adventure and drama films focus on endurance in epic, oppressive landscapes, creating a gritty and melancholic viewing experience.

grittyoppressivesurvivalistepicharshlonelysomber

Narrative Summary

Narratives are often straightforward journeys through a hostile terrain, where characters are stripped down to their most basic instincts. The conflict is less about complex plots and more about the immediate, physical and psychological struggle against a dominant, indifferent natural world.

Why These Movies?

These films share a high-intensity, heavy emotional experience driven by the constant threat of the environment. They possess a steady, deliberate pacing that makes the survival feels earned and real, and a bleak, gritty tone that emphasizes the harsh realities of the struggle.

Unlock the Full Story of Theeb

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

Theeb Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Theeb, 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.

Theeb Summary

Theeb Timeline

Track the full timeline of Theeb with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Theeb Timeline

Theeb Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Theeb 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.

Theeb Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Theeb

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Theeb: 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 Theeb