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Crime comedy

The Unknown Saint (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Unknown Saint (2021) movie poster

The Unknown Saint is a 2021 crime comedy directed by Alaa Eddine Aljem, starring Younes Bouab, Anas El Baz and Hassan Ben Badida. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $69,751 worldwide. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10.

IMDb rating
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
93%
worldwide gross
$69.8K
Echo Score
82
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The Unknown Saint (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Genres
Comedy , Crime
Original language
Arabic
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Unknown Saint About?

The premise of The Unknown Saint without spoilers.

Having just been released from prison, a resourceful thief sets out to recover the money he hid away prior to his imprisonment. He anticipates a straightforward retrieval, but unexpected obstacles and the passage of time complicate his carefully planned operation. He must now confront unforeseen circumstances to reclaim what is rightfully his.

The Unknown Saint Themes & Keywords

· 34 tags
  • morocco
  • desert
  • western sahara
  • buried loot
  • loot buried in grave
  • engine failure
  • police arrest
  • release from jail
  • thief
  • mausoleum
  • boredom
  • barber shop
+22 more
  • medical doctor
  • night watch
  • hidden money
  • belief in miracles
  • religious belief
  • isolated place
  • drought
  • praying for rain
  • rain
  • dog hit by a car
  • road construction
  • dynamite
  • wounded dog
  • funeral
  • gold tooth
  • father's grave
  • criminal
  • shrine
  • physical comedy
  • cult
  • hilltop
  • woman uses a wheelchair
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Cast & crew

The Unknown Saint Cast

Younes Bouab leads the cast, with Anas El Baz and Hassan Ben Badida. Directed by Alaa Eddine Aljem; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

The Unknown Saint Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Unknown Saint 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 82/100, strongest in art & craft (85) and weakest in story & flow (73).

82 /100

The Unknown Saint Echo Score Breakdown

The Unknown Saint succeeds as a self‑aware satire that blends dry humor with a modestly crafted narrative. Critics highlight the film’s restrained direction, sparse visual composition, and clever situational jokes that generate consistent, if not uproarious, laughter. While the story remains relatively simple and the character work modest, the overall tone and stylistic choices give the film a memorable edge. Consequently, the movie offers a solid viewing experience that rewards attentive audiences.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 85

    In terms of direction and visual craft, the film benefits from a minimalist aesthetic that underscores its comedic beats. Reviewers note the spare framing, uncluttered sets, and the director’s skill in extracting humor from subtle visual cues. The cinematography captures the Moroccan landscape with an understated palette, reinforcing the parable-like tone. This disciplined approach results in a cohesive artistic presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When evaluating character work, the performances convey a droll, off‑beat charm that aligns with the film’s satirical aim. Critics observe nuanced comedic timing and occasional warmth in the protagonists, though depth remains limited. The ensemble chemistry supports the situational humor, yet the script offers only modest emotional resonance. Overall, the character element is competent and reinforces the film’s tone without reaching profound complexity.

  • Story & Flow 73

    The narrative functions as an intimate parable that explores faith and greed through absurdist scenarios. Reviewers praise its originality and the clever avoidance of obvious plot pitfalls, delivering measured pacing that allows jokes to land. However, some note the story’s modest scale and limited dramatic weight, describing it as moderate rather than ambitious. The plot’s coherence and inventive premise sustain audience engagement despite its simplicity.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    Sensory experience is defined by the film’s restrained soundscape and distinctive visual style. Critics commend the clean sound design that avoids distraction, letting situational humor breathe. The visual composition, marked by minimal clutter and purposeful framing, reinforces the dry comedic tone. While the soundtrack receives little specific mention, the overall sensory palette remains consistent and enhances the film’s understated atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Rewatch potential stems from the film’s subtle humor and layered satire, which reveal new details upon subsequent viewings. Observers highlight the clever situational jokes and the director’s restraint, offering a rewarding experience for audiences attuned to nuance. Although the comedy does not consistently reach overt belly‑laugh territory, its measured wit and modest narrative invite repeat engagement, granting it respectable lasting appeal.

Box office

The Unknown Saint Box Office

The Unknown Saint grossed $69,751 worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$69.8K

US & Canada
$69.8K
Videos

The Unknown Saint Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Unknown Saint.

THE UNKNOWN SAINT by Alaa Eddine Aljem (Official International Trailer HD)

Seen The Unknown Saint?

FAQ

The Unknown Saint FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of The Unknown Saint, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Unknown Saint?

The Unknown Saint runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was The Unknown Saint released?

The Unknown Saint was released on July 15, 2021.

Who directed The Unknown Saint?

The Unknown Saint was directed by Alaa Eddine Aljem.

More films by Alaa Eddine Aljem

Who is in the cast of The Unknown Saint?

The Unknown Saint stars Younes Bouab, Anas El Baz and Hassan Ben Badida, among 10 credited actors.

How much did The Unknown Saint make at the box office?

The Unknown Saint grossed $69,751 worldwide.

How is The Unknown Saint rated?

The Unknown Saint has 6.5/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63% on TMDB and 3.9/5 on Movie Insider.

Does The Unknown Saint have a post-credit scene?

No. The Unknown Saint has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Unknown Saint in?

The original language of The Unknown Saint is Arabic.

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