Hamza Ali Helps People

Hamza Ali Helps People follows the titular character (Abishek Nair) during a lonely night shift at a crisis hotline as a volunteer. His unwavering kindness is put to the test by a call that refuses to stay simple, and he is left conflicted by how to handle the situation. The narrative takes place in London; however, the filmmakers shot the film in Dubai just days before regional tensions grew larger, and this gave the central themes more purpose as a reflection of the wider world.

One of the most impressive aspects of the piece is its consistently enthralling narrative. The central themes of the film genuinely fill the viewer with a sense of dread and urgency as Hamza is pushed to the edge by his empathy towards others. The lack of music throughout is isolating and ultimately makes the experience more visceral and gut-wrenching to witness. At the same time, the brief inclusion of a musical score is uplifting for the more hopeful aspects of the narrative. The use of distorted audio is another outstanding use of sound, making the more harrowing themes of the piece more nail-biting. While the runtime is incredibly brisk and there's fairly minor material to chew on, the filmmakers make the most of the screenplay to leave the viewer on the edge of their seat consistently.

Mo Azmi, serving as the film's cinematographer, shoots the central conflict with a sense of urgency, utilising visceral camera movement that constantly pits Hamza at the centre of the frame with extreme close-ups and over-the-shoulder framing. The one location setting is utilised to the fullest, and the camerawork anchors the severity of the situation Hamza is in. It's ultimately an astounding edit without a dull moment, which makes the experience feel incredibly fluid and raw in its presentation.

The central performance from Abishek Nair in his portrayal of Hamza Ali is exceptionally raw and nuanced, conveying the sheer isolation and dread that Hamza experiences. He communicates so much complexity with so little, as the narrative is focused entirely on him in a single room, on a crisis hotline. Abishek Nair carries the weight of the film on his back, and the experience would not have worked without his commanding screen presence. The supporting cast, including Katy Trevor in her portrayal of Vicky, is also commendable. She delivers a performance which leaves the viewer questioning the character’s intentions and integrity.

The film sheds a heavy light on individuals struggling with mental health issues and expresses how important it is to reach out to others despite how cruel and unforgiving the world can be. It's a powerful and unflinching depiction of daring to reach out to another before it's too late. The piece concludes abruptly, leaving no easy answers or resolution to empathy, and ultimately, the viewer is left wanting more.

Hamza Ali Helps People is a raw and insightful showcase of how one's empathy can be pushed to the limit. Anchored by a powerful central performance from Abishek Nair and writer/director Hysum Ismail’s formalism, the film is a wonderful achievement in indie filmmaking and a harrowing reminder of fear in the wider world today.