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Drama

Wajib (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Wajib (2018) movie poster

Wajib is a 2018 drama directed by Annemarie Jacir, starring Saleh Bakri as Shadi, Tarik Kopty and Ruba Blal. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes and earned $594,657 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$594.7K
Echo Score
85
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Wajib (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m (96 min)
Director
Annemarie Jacir
Genre
Drama
Original language
Arabic
Studio
Amazon
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Wajib About?

The premise of Wajib without spoilers.

A father and son, estranged for years, must embark on a journey together to hand-deliver wedding invitations. The trip forces them to confront their difficult relationship and past grievances as they navigate the challenges of family dynamics. Through shared experiences and conversations, they seek reconciliation and discover a renewed sense of connection amidst the beauty of their homeland.

Wajib Themes & Keywords

· 17 tags
  • f rated
  • palestinian
  • wedding invitation
  • wedding invitation cards
  • father son relationship
  • father son conflict
  • christmas
  • bird
  • funeral
  • death
  • dog hit by a car
  • cigarette smoking
+5 more
  • kiss
  • flat tire
  • telephone call
  • nazareth israel
  • animal bite
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Cast & crew

Wajib Cast & Characters

Saleh Bakri leads the cast as Shadi, with Tarik Kopty as Abu Murad and Ruba Blal as Rami's Wife. Directed by Annemarie Jacir; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Wajib

· 6 more
From the director

More from Annemarie Jacir

More films directed by Annemarie Jacir, best-rated first: Palestine 36, When I Saw You, Salt of This Sea and Salt of This Sea.

Full filmography
Ratings

Wajib Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Wajib 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 85/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in sensory experience (75).

85 /100

Wajib Echo Score Breakdown

In its concise exploration of familial bonds, Wajib delivers a consistently engaging drama marked by emotional depth and narrative clarity. Critical responses highlight the film’s resourceful direction and its nuanced portrayal of intergenerational tension, grounded in authentic locations and punctuated by warm humor. The father–son relationship is consistently praised for its sincerity and measured pacing, contributing to a cohesive viewing experience. While the minimalist execution may feel understated at times, the film sustains interest through its thoughtful observations and relatable dynamics, resulting in a resonant overall impact.

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

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of art and craft, Wajib exhibits deliberate minimalism and disciplined composition. The direction emphasizes authenticity through naturalistic framing and unobtrusive editing, with production design rooted in local environments rather than elaborate sets. Cinematography employs restrained lighting and handheld camera work to enhance intimacy. This sparing yet purposeful aesthetic underlines the film’s resourceful approach to visual storytelling.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, Wajib shines through its portrayal of familial bonds and intergenerational conflict. The central performances evoke genuine chemistry and nuanced emotional beats, capturing both patience and frustration. Character arcs unfold organically within everyday interactions, lending sincerity to their resonance. Overall, the film creates memorable emotional depth through its careful characterization.

  • Story & Flow 85

    In terms of story and flow, Wajib balances a familiar premise with fresh cultural context, maintaining clarity and engagement throughout. The pacing unfolds at a measured rhythm, allowing narrative developments to resonate without feeling rushed. While the core plot of a father and son reconnection is conventional, the film’s grounding in specific social realities brings originality. The result is a coherent and engaging storyline.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    When it comes to sensory experience, Wajib relies on ambient soundscapes and subtle musical cues to support its intimate tone. The sound design underscores everyday scenes without drawing attention to itself, while visual style uses muted color palettes and natural light to evoke a sense of authenticity. Overall, the film presents a cohesive audiovisual design that complements its restrained narrative.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    In terms of rewatch factor, Wajib offers enduring appeal through its understated narrative layers and character subtleties. Subsequent viewings reveal deeper cultural details and nuanced emotional exchanges that may be overlooked initially. The film’s modest scale and thoughtful observations encourage reflection on family dynamics. As a result, Wajib maintains interest beyond the first experience.

Box office

Wajib Box Office

Wajib grossed $594,657 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$594.7K

International
$594.7K
Videos

Wajib Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Wajib.

Official UK Trailer
Cars

Cars in Wajib

54 cars on screen, including the 1985 Volvo 240 and the 2006 Honda Civic.

All 54 cars
  • 1985 Volvo 240 in Wajib 1985 Volvo 240 Main role
  • 2006 Honda Civic in Wajib 2006 Honda Civic Minor role
  • 2012 Kia Rio in Wajib 2012 Kia Rio Minor role
  • 2013 Nissan Qashqai in Wajib 2013 Nissan Qashqai Minor role
Details

Wajib Also Known As

9 alternative titles, including “와지브” and “Wajib, l'invitation au mariage”.

Also known as
  • 와지브
  • Wajib, l'invitation au mariage
  • Invitación de boda
  • Wajib - Invito al matrimonio
  • Düğün Davetiyesi
  • Покана за сватба
  • Wajib - Hochzeit in Nazareth
  • 责任
  • Zaveza

Seen Wajib?

FAQ

Wajib FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Wajib?

Wajib runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).

When was Wajib released?

Wajib was released on October 5, 2018.

Who directed Wajib?

Wajib was directed by Annemarie Jacir.

More films by Annemarie Jacir

Who is in the cast of Wajib?

Wajib stars Saleh Bakri as Shadi, Tarik Kopty as Abu Murad and Ruba Blal as Rami's Wife, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Wajib make at the box office?

Wajib grossed $594,657 worldwide.

How is Wajib rated?

Wajib has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 71% on TMDB and 3.9/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Wajib have a post-credit scene?

No. Wajib has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Wajib in?

The original language of Wajib is Arabic.

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