El Gouna-bound THE LAST MESSAGE explores the drastic effects of poor communication between parents and sons

According to the World Health Organization, suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among young people. Key factors contributing to this include a lack of family support and understanding — a central theme to Seif Madbouly’s short drama film THE LAST MESSAGE, which will hold its world premiere at the upcoming El Gouna Film Festival, running from October 24th to November 1st.

The film delves into family dynamics as a mother uncovers her son's hidden struggles and the devastating effects of miscommunication upon learning of his suicide attempt. This shocking revelation sets her on a profound journey of understanding and redemption as she explores the secrets hidden on his phone.

Renowned Egyptian actress Shereen Reda, who plays the mother, is known for her award-winning performances in PHOTOCOPY, OUT OF ORDER, and THE GUEST, as well as her starring role in the highly successful 2023 TV series WE BENA MAAD. We see her in a heartbreaking scene as she sits by her son’s hospital bedside, devastated upon learning from the doctor that he is in a coma due to a xanax overdose.

Desperate for answers, she begins scrolling through his phone, seeking clues about the last person who contacted him. As she goes through his messages, she realizes the significant emotional distance between her and her son, recognizing that she has been focused on her own life, oblivious to her son's struggles.

Joining her in grief is the father, portrayed by Firas Said, known for his roles in blockbusters such as EL HAREEFA and THE BLUE ELEPHANT. Revealing the couple's strained relationship and divorce as one of the reasons behind their son’s struggles, the film takes us on a powerful dialogue between the father and mother, filled with unspoken thoughts that only the audience can hear.

THE LAST MESSAGE’s significance lies in its ability to address the often-taboo subject of youth suicide in the Arab World, where families tend to hide that their sons or daughters have died because of suicide to evade societal stigma. This daring film unveils these taboos and aims to spark societal conversations around the topic through its gripping narrative.

The film also tackles the issue of blackmail, where recent studies indicate that various factors contribute to suicide, including social pressures, mental health stigma, and traumatic experiences like blackmail, which has become increasingly prevalent in the Arab region. In recent years, numerous young individuals have attempted suicide due to online blackmail.

In light of this, the film highlights how a lack of family support and poor communication can leave victims feeling trapped, exacerbated by the pressures from blackmailers, ultimately leading to desperate actions.

THE LAST MESSAGE is directed by Seif Madbouly and written by Dina Maher, known for co-writing Netflix’s first original Egyptian series PARANORMAL and THE 45 RULES OF DIVORCE, with editing by Raghda Essam of TAKE CARE OF ZIZI and will be screening at the upcoming El Gouna Film Festival.