Theeb

In 1916, two young brothers, Hussein and Theeb, face the heartbreaking loss of their parents. As members of the Howeitat tribe, they are accustomed to a life steeped in tradition and the responsibilities that come with it.

One evening, their camp is visited by Edward, a British officer, along with an Arab named Marji. Following Bedouin customs, a goat must be slaughtered to honor these guests, but young Theeb hesitates, feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the task.

Hussein is asked to lead Edward and Marji to a remote Roman well along the pilgrims' trail. Despite warnings of bandits from their camp, Hussein decides to set out, believing it’s safer to leave Theeb behind.

Defying his brother’s wishes, Theeb runs after Hussein and manages to rejoin them during their trek. His persistence is fueled by a desire to remain close to family, despite the dangers that lie ahead.

Upon reaching the well, they are met with a shocking sight: the water has been tainted with blood from discarded bodies. This foreboding atmosphere heightens their awareness of the lurking threat of bandits nearby.

As they try to flee from the tainted well, Edward insists on continuing the journey. Tragically, they are ambushed at a nearby location, where gunfire claims the lives of Edward and Marji, plunging Theeb and Hussein into chaos.

In the midst of the ambush, Hussein is killed during a desperate skirmish with raiders. Theeb, now alone and terrified, grapples with the loss of his brother, realizing that he is completely vulnerable in the harsh landscape.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Theeb tumbles into the well, witnessing a raider cut the rope of their water bag. Alone and desolate in the vast desert, he digs a grave for Hussein, mourning the recent loss.

The following day, as Theeb wanders through the desert, he encounters Hassan, a gravely injured man atop a camel. Initial hostility turns into a reluctant alliance, rooted in the necessity of survival amidst their shared predicament.

As Theeb tends to Hassan’s wounds, the mercenary reminds the boy of their earlier shared meal, pleading for his loyalty. This moment underscores the shifting dynamics of trust and desperation in their harsh reality.

Together, they manage to ride the camel towards an Ottoman rail station, where they encounter Arab revolutionaries questioning Hassan about his Western possessions. These possessions are linked to the imperial schemes of the British officer.

At the station, Hassan trades Edward's belongings for silver, offering Theeb a coin. However, haunted by the recent events, Theeb realizes Hassan's true nature and refuses the coin, recognizing the mercenary's role in his brother’s death.

In an act of empowered retribution, Theeb confronts and kills Hassan, delivering his own version of justice for the pain caused. This pivotal moment marks Theeb's transformation and the loss of his innocence.

After learning of Hassan's betrayal, the Ottoman officer allows Theeb to leave. Alone but resolute, Theeb takes control of the camel, symbolizing his newfound strength as he rides off into the vast desert in search of his own path.