Review of Detroit Unleaded (2012) by Nathananda A — 16 Jan 2014

As a lifelong Detroiter, it is a real pleasure to pick up on the many Detroitisms in this beautiful and important film. But it's a mistake to overemphasize the "Detroit" in the title, as it's set in and around Detroit, and not *about* the city or its many well publicized problems.

Rather, Detroit Unleaded boldly dives beneath the surface, using a delicately handled love story to draw the viewer into a world that feels like the "real" Detroit I know and love. Big oil, Arab American culture, employment, gender - these offstage elephants surround the film, but we are drawn in by its working world humor, and refreshingly slow storytelling.

Take your time with this one. It is well worth multiple viewings to peel back the onion and realize just how deep Director, Rola Nashef, is taking audiences. From the symbolism of the glass separating gas station attendants from customers, to the purposefully open-ended ending, this film teams with enriching subtext.

It is a ground breaking work, by a talented female Arab director, and already well recognized intentionally. See it, share it, and watch out for Nashef's next film!