My Brother the Devil 2013

Mo and Rashid “Rash” are teenage brothers of Egyptian heritage residing in Hackney with their family. The older sibling, Rash, takes on the role of guardian for Mo, rewarding his achievements, like gifting him a TV, while motivating him to focus on academics. Yet, Mo begins to idolize Rash, who is entrenched in the dangerous world of low-level drug dealing, using his earnings to bring small comforts to their lives.

In a twist of fate, Mo faces danger when rival gang members rob him during a drop-off meant for Rash. When he spots these gang members at a local store, he promptly calls Rash for help. What ensues is a violent confrontation between Rash’s crew and Demon’s gang. The conflict escalates tragically when Demon retaliates after his dog is harmed, resulting in the stabbing and death of Izzi, who is both Rash’s best friend and a crucial part of their lives.

Fueled by grief and anger, Rash seeks vengeance and acquires a gun, intent on exacting revenge on Demon. He tracks Demon to a tattoo parlor but hesitates, realizing that Demon’s younger brother is present, wearing the shoes that Mo had lost. As Rash starts to contemplate escaping the gang life—just as Izzi had aspired to do before his untimely death—he forms a bond with Sayyid, a French photographer who had been aiding Izzi in finding legitimate employment. Sayyid offers Rash a way out by proposing a job as his photography assistant, which instills a flicker of hope in Rash’s heart.

As Rash grows closer to Sayyid, Mo’s jealousy swells over their burgeoning friendship and the respect Rash holds for Sayyid. When an opportunity arises for Mo to join Rash’s gang as a dealer, he jumps at the chance. Meanwhile, an unexpected kiss shared between Rash and Sayyid complicates matters. Initially grappling with his feelings, Rash attempts to revert to his former way of life, but the connection to Sayyid proves too strong, leading him back to a burgeoning relationship. Upon discovering the closeness between the two men, Mo’s anger drives him deeper into the drug scene, further distancing him from Rash.

In a critical moment, Rash stumbles upon Mo’s stash of money and drugs. A confrontation ensues where Rash declares he will take out Demon if it means Mo can leave the gang safely. His declaration, however, isolates him from his former family, causing Mo to seek revenge by telling Rash’s ex-girlfriend, Vanessa, about Rash’s sexuality. Vanessa’s betrayal spreads like wildfire through the neighborhood, resulting in Rash’s crew setting a trap for him at a house supposedly linked to Demon. Yet, with quick thinking, Rash evades the deadly setup.

The next day, after escaping, Rash learns that he has been wounded by Demon and is hiding with Sayyid. Mo arrives with a twisted sense of loyalty but grows suspicious when he sees evidence of the gang’s violent nature on his friends. Chaos ensues when Mo’s friend brandishes a gun, prompting a frantic exit from Sayyid’s home. In a moment of sacrifice, Mo takes a bullet meant for Rash, ensuring his brother’s safety as the danger flees.

In the hospital’s quiet aftermath, Rash’s parents urge him to abandon his path with Sayyid and return home, but he stands firm in his choice. Time passes, and as Mo recovers and steps outside, he encounters Rash. A poignant exchange reveals the family’s resilience, with Mo affirming they are just fine. Embracing each other, the brothers share a bittersweet moment before Rash steps into his new life, leaving behind their troubled past.