My Brother the Devil (2013) – Film Review

Director: Sally El Hosaini
Writer: Sally El Hosaini
Actors: James Floyd, Elarica Gallacher, Fady Elsayed, Letitia Wright
Runtime: 111 min
Rating: NR

Romantic relationships are often portrayed in film, yet an even stronger connection exists that deserves equal attention: the family bond of brother or sisterhood. Director and writer Sally El Hosaini offers an intimate look into the dysfunctional brotherly relationship of two young men who both hide secrets. This film is not afraid to take some unexpected turns, and offers a new view into the world of gang members in London, England.

Don’t be turned away by the title of this film, as was I initially: My Brother the Devil is not a horror movie, but a tense dramatic picture instead. Mo (Fady Elsayed) and Rashid (James Floyd) are British Arab teenagers living in London in a traditional Egyptian home. Mo adores his older brother, imitating his every move and hoping to follow in his footsteps as he grows older. Although well intentioned, Rashid unfortunately does not offer a positive role model, as it becomes apparent that he is a lead member of a local gang that deals drugs and has an ongoing and dangerous feud with another group. Rashid may want what’s best for Mo, yet his actions place both brothers in danger. When Mo learns of his brother’s greatest secret, his own prejudices threaten to tear the two apart, and he must learn to overcome his own fears.

My Brother the Devil offers a raw look into the lives of young London gang members and drug dealers. The film opens by depicting a healthy brother dynamic, as Rashid displays pride in and protectiveness over his younger brother, and their relationship seems honest and real. One quickly realizes how unhealthy it truly is however, as Rashid’s dangerous gang activities make him abrasive and, at times, almost abusive. At his core, Rashid does ultimately long for a better life for his younger brother’s sake, and although he may be unlikeable at times, Floyd crafts a character whose difficulties it is easy to understand. The young Elsayed delivers an understated yet very strong performance; his actions may be few, yet it is his reactions to those of others that quietly command attention and from which an audience can learn a lot both about him and the situations presented. When Mo develops a friendship with pretty new neighbour Aisha (Letitia Wright), one sincerely hopes that the relationship will have a positive impact and that he will be able to extricate himself from the gang activity in which he is becoming increasingly deeper involved. The stories of both brothers hold audience attention, especially as more and more is revealed about both.

This film aims to depict bleak lives, and this goal is reflected in its style. Raw and unpolished filming paints a believable portrait of the drug life of the London gang streets. There are no pretty shots here, as the drab scenery accurately reflects that which occurs in the minds of the characters, although a few much-needed lighter and happier moments are highlighted with brighter lighting and upbeat music. This film truly excels when it begins to take unexpected turns and heads in directions even the most alert in the audience could not have expected. Rather than simply showing the life of a typical gang member, this film reveals complicated and layered individuals whose stories fascinate and whose emotions resonate. These are boys struggling with the various loves that they feel, and the result is a film that offers something new and different to the genre.

My Brother the Devil reveals a highly dysfunctional yet ultimately loving brother relationship, and it is important that films explore these dynamics as opposed to simply focusing on romance. A gritty film, this work may not be overly pleasant to watch but it certainly causes emotional connections, genuine surprise, and real thought. Two strong acting performances and an intriguing storyline make My Brother the Devil a worthwhile piece of film.