Saad Abutaily

Saad Abutaily’s filmography is seriously all over the map, and honestly, that’s what makes it interesting. You’ve got “Cherry” from 2021, a movie that’s basically a gut punch through and through—war trauma, addiction, love that’s hanging on by a thread. It’s not a movie that pulls any punches. You’re watching this guy spiral, and it doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. The pacing is frantic sometimes, a bit scattered, but it weirdly works for the chaos inside the main character’s head. Then, out of nowhere, you get “Kaboos” in 2023. Total switch-up. The vibe here is dark, super atmospheric, and it’s got this whole supernatural thing going on. Feels like a fever dream half the time, but in a good way. The cinematography plays with shadows, and the story just gets under your skin. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t tell you everything up front—you’re piecing it together and second-guessing everything. And don’t even get me started on “Hwjn.” Also from 2023, but this one’s got its own flavor. It dives deep into folklore, with some wild, almost mythic storytelling. There’s a real sense of place, and you can tell the director’s in love with the details. Sometimes the plot meanders, sure, but you get swept up in the world-building. Abutaily’s name on a project basically means you’re not gonna get cookie-cutter cinema—there’s always something a little weird, a little daring. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s half the fun.