Scales 2020
"Bound by tradition. Controlled by no one."
Scales (2020), directed by Shahad Ameen, is a haunting fantasy-drama set in a remote fishing village where ancient traditions demand a grim sacrifice: every family must surrender a daughter to the sea creatures lurking in nearby waters.
Director: Shahad Ameen
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scales (2020) about?
Scales (2020) follows Hayat, a strong-willed 12-year-old girl in a fishing village bound by a cruel tradition: each family must sacrifice a daughter to sea creatures. When her father saves her from this fate, she's shunned as a curse, but when tradition resurfaces with her brother's birth, Hayat must confront the depths of her village's dark customs.
Who directed Scales?
Scales was directed by Shahad Ameen, a filmmaker known for blending fantasy with social commentary in her work.
Who stars in Scales?
The film features Ashraf Barhoum in a standout performance as Hayat, alongside Basima Hajjar, Fatima Al Taei, Haifa Al-Agha, and Hafssa Faisal in pivotal roles.
Is Scales (2020) worth watching?
Scales (2020) is a gripping yet unsettling watch, blending fantasy and drama with strong thematic depth. While it may not suit all tastes due to its intensity, its unique premise and atmospheric storytelling make it a memorable experience for fans of thought-provoking cinema.
How long is Scales?
Scales (2020) has a runtime of 74 minutes, offering a concise yet impactful narrative.
🎥 Trailer
About Scales (2020) — A haunting fantasy-drama of defiance and tradition
Scales (2020), directed by Shahad Ameen, is a haunting fantasy-drama set in a remote fishing village where ancient traditions demand a grim sacrifice: every family must surrender a daughter to the sea creatures lurking in nearby waters. When 12-year-old Hayat narrowly escapes this fate thanks to her father's defiance, she becomes an outcast, branded as a curse by her own people. But Hayat's resilience refuses to bow to fear. When her mother gives birth to a son, the village's brutal customs resurface, forcing her to confront an impossible choice—one that pits love against destiny and the sea against the land.
This atmospheric tale blends folklore with raw emotion, exploring themes of oppression, rebellion, and the cost of tradition. With its striking visuals and powerful performances—especially from young Ashraf Barhoum in the lead—Ameen crafts a story that lingers like the tide, as relentless as the waves and as unyielding as the villagers' beliefs.