L’existence Inexplicable: The Necessity of Art Expression

L’existence Inexplicable or Inexplicable Existence is a short film made by the young filmmaker ANASS. The film spans about 15 minutes and is shot in a minimalist black-and-white style. It presents the introspective journey of a lone character as he reflects upon his inner monologue, although it is unclear to the viewer whether the external voice, represented by an enigmatic floating text, is the protagonist’s inner voice, his subconscious thoughts, or an inexplicable existence plaguing him. The film explores themes of existentialism, isolation, and the search for meaning. It’s a raw visual meditation on human existence and what it feels like to be a young person thrust into adulthood, attempting to make sense of the life you’ve led so far and will continue to lead. It expresses these sentiments commonly felt by young people in an intimate and vulnerable way that you can’t help but see yourself in the protagonist. All of which pushes one to contemplate the necessity of art expression, in all its forms, especially for young ones.

Existentialism, isolation, and the search for meaning are prominent themes of this film. It pokes fun at the absurdity of life. It’s a film that asks: What is the meaning of it all? The film explores these themes through a central element: the external voice. The protagonist is bombarded by confrontational questions from the external voice. Some questions are self-critical and sarcastic, which leads one to think that such vulnerable inquiries can only be posed by one’s subconscious. Some are reflective and lead you to view the voice as a separate entity from the character who follows him around everywhere, interrupting his moments of tranquility to force him to question everything. Or is it a metaphor, representative of a higher being of sorts? There can be many interpretations, but the point is what the voice evokes in the viewer. It conjures up your own feelings of existential dread, the absurdist ideas that haunt you and rob life of any enjoyment. The voice, regardless of the real meaning behind it or what it represents, achieves the most important goal of a piece of art: to invoke a feeling in you.

Furthermore, the film visualizes its abstract central idea (the absurdity of existence) through a deliberately minimalist, surrealist, and poetic style. It places its solitary character in a plain minimalist background, which reinforces the emotional tone of the film. The focal point is the protagonist as he floats through existence aimlessly, and you, as the viewer, can only focus on him and the invisible weight he carries. The weight of his questions, his confusion, and existential dread is translated through the stark mise-en-scène. The camera is mostly static, taking long takes and centered framing, and it slowly pans or zooms, creating a sense of quiet movement like breathing, which gives the effect of being in the protagonist's head. The close-up shots reinforce the feeling of intimacy, as if you, as a viewer, are being let inside a private state of introspection. The harsh white lighting that dominates the film gives it a washed-out and dream-like quality. Alluding to the sense of isolation, the protagonist feels as if he is floating through nothingness, outside time and space, stuck. The subtle performance of the lone actor, reinforced by the use of the text mirroring each other, is a creative replacement for dialogue, implying the abstract message of the film in an elusive way.

Here lies the necessity of art: to make sense of our existence. The point of art expression is nuanced, subjective, and debatable, but from an all-encompassing point of view, we utilize and create art to understand our human experience. Inexplicable Existence is a poignant example of utilizing the art of filmmaking to make sense of a very human and raw sentiment. Written and directed by a young, upcoming filmmaker, it’s a piece of work, vibrant with an appreciation for the craft. Made by a young person with such honesty and openness, it speaks to a young audience, which in itself is necessary. It was necessary for ANASS to make this film, for himself, as it is necessary for young people to consume art, to be inspired, and to produce art of their own. Art is necessary because the act of creation can be a means of resistance. A scene that stands out in the film is when the protagonist writes on a wall in the street the expression: “Un seul héro; le people,” “one hero; the people,” a message reflective of the artist's ideals and stances. This can be seen as the filmmaker directly pushing his rhetoric, but the way the message is expressed, explicit, yet more so unabashed. It’s a message that resonates with every young Moroccan. Moroccan youth need art to express their inner conflict, to reject a culture that aims to confine them, and prohibit them from exploration. There can be no limitation to creation because that is how you get something like Inexplicable Existence. It is evident that when given the space to create, the opportunity, and the support, promising potential flourishes.

Anass’s film represents a voice in a global conversation. The universality of the message of his film is what makes it a piece of work worthy of merit. It’s a local story that resonates globally. This fortifies the importance of art.

Ultimately, L’Existence Inexplicable is a film that reminds us why it is important to create. Art is a lifeline and a tool for resistance. Art like this is not decorative or merely for aesthetics, but it is survival. ANASS doesn’t explain, but rather expresses his message. And such a subtle yet honest expression is very much needed in the filmmaking scene in Morocco.

Zaynab Bouchouari

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