3,000 Years of Longing Explained | Choice and Plot Holes

This video explains 3,000 Years of Longing, the choices made in the movie, and even a couple of plot holes. There are spoilers for 3,000 Years of Longing in this video.
Chapter Timestamps
0:00 Intro
0:38 The Plot
0:53 Interpretations
1:29 Drawn to the Djinn
2:41 A Djinn in Love
3:28 Alithea's Loneliness
3:54 The First Wish
4:15 Airport Security
5:08 Electromagnetic Plot Hole
6:05 The Djinn is Free
6:26 Proven Love
7:02 Love, Loss, and Loneliness
7:29 Consequences of Choice
7:52 The Djinn in the Nightingale’s Eye
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#3000YearsOfLonging #Ending #Explained

[@BahaishKapoorfilms]

I feel she was imagining it the whole time n when she came back to England she got busy with work and he became less important. But whenever she felt she needed love, she could summon him. And spend a few days imagining her imaginary friend. The electromagnetic waves are just a way of portraying the distractions of the modern world. All she wanted was love (but the deepest form of love, a human would be unable to give her) and she imagined it would take a genie to fulfil for her the love she actually desired. So the story was a tale she told herself as a way dealing with the mystery of her own subconscious mind. She believed she was content but discovered she wanted what all women desire (Sheeba’s riddle) - she wanted to be longed for/ to be yearned.

[@TheNerdDoc]

The fact that she was a researcher of stories herself also lends credence to this theory.

[@SuperLazyllama]

I like your interpretation alot and it was what I was imaging the movie was building too. But I will say djinn interacting with other people in the world , makes this seem less likely. Eg the old women and the kids playing football at the end of the movie.

[@UltimatePower01]

@@SuperLazyllama the fact that before the movie starts she narrates that this is based on a true story but say to call it fiction, means everything we see can be considered as fiction, including her.

[@Djynni]

This sounds like a great ending. If this is what they intended it to be, they should have made it a little more clear. Not "hit you over the head" clear, but a little more hints.

[@artkisses1]

If she imagined this explain why her neighbors saw the Dijnn too? In fact, George put that scene with the two old ladies seeing him and the end scene of the Dijnn kicked the ball and it bounced back to the kids told you that he is real....the director wants us to know that the Djinn is real.

[@Tiger74147]

Why do people think the electromagnetic waves were what caused the djinn's illness? I think the djinn didn't love her like she'd hoped. He was basically trapped by her wish, which as she said herself, he could not fulfill by its very nature, but he wanted to try. But just like being trapped in a bottle, "the nearest thing to death a djinn can experience", he was trapped in that life. When he was freed by her -- her love for him outweighing the desire to keep him -- he loved her enough to return from time to time, which was not the timeless love she'd wanted, but more than enough for them both.

[@TheNerdDoc]

If I understand you correctly, the Djinn didn't love her enough to avoid feeling trapped by her wish, but did love her enough to voluntarily feel trapped once he was freed? I don't know that I follow, but assuming that was the case, what was the point of the electromagnetic interference and the pain he felt with that? If that wasn't the reason he "almost died" what was the reason for it?

[@Tiger74147]

@@TheNerdDoc Loved her enough to visit her from time to time, rather than be her live-in partner, right. I'm not sure what you mean by what's the point of the electromagnetic interference, though. There was a brief scene where he experienced it and even learned how to manage it (with the violin/cello isolated from it), and the video even mentioned how that whole thread didn't make much sense anyway. But more importantly I don't understand what makes anyone think it had something to do with him turning into paper maché. :P

[@redguardgaming902]

The film took a drastic turn for me when she wished that they'd love each other I felt no romantic tension between her and the djin whatsoever until it was kinda forced upon the narrative, maybe I was reading into everything wrong but it was just him telling stories and them both talking between on a wish

[@TheNerdDoc]

What the movie left out from the source material was her strong desire to be in a loving romantic relationship. The movie kind of touches on this with her ex-husband, but not to the extent the source material does. Without that extra context the wish seems to come out of nowhere

[@MagicalFluffBiscuit]

Totally agree, and you can’t expect that people know the source material to understand the context. Also there was ZERO chemistry between the two leads. Very disappointing film

[@pilot8220]

​@@MagicalFluffBiscuitNo, there was tons of chemistry, awesome film, dumaz

[@UmarSanda-bo6fz]

❤ cute

[@RAWDATION]

(Spoiler Alert) My theory as to why The Djinn was pained by the electromagnetic waves in England but not turkey is: when the Djinn was in the bottle at the airport and went through the x-ray machine it somehow increased his sensitivity to electromagnetic waves or cursed him or caused him harm in some fashion. The movie emphasized the scene at the airport and made it seem like Alithea was just paranoid for no reason. When they got home The Djinn didn't come out of the bottle immediately, which subtlety shows that he was affected by the x-ray even though it looked like he wasn't harmed. (This could also further explain why he begins deteriorating. He didn't deteriorate when he was with Zefir for a long time even though she didn't make a third wish. A bit of a stretch I know but the first theory still stands) Another thing I just realized in the airport the main security guard that stuck the pencil in the bottle had a lot of screen time (relatively speaking) where he was very prominent on camera. The first thing that stood out to me is that he looked very similar to King Solomon (the one who put The Djinn in the bottle in the first place). And it just so happens that the guard is the one who caused the Djinn strife now just as king Solomon did hundreds of years ago. And in the scene when she is leaving he has somewhat of a sinister look on his face almost like he was aware of the Djinn. I think it was a very coy way of hinting at reincarnation and showing the parallels of humans even through thousands of years and maybe even shows the power of king solomon. The Djinn spoke in great detail about how powerful and magical he was. Maybe king Solomon put some spell on him to be tortured for 3000 years when he first bottled him up. (the last bit is another stretch I know). I love movies that are a catalyst for conversation and debate and force you to ponder what you have witnessed. Art in its purest form causes a stir. Kudos if you read all that

[@TheNerdDoc]

I like this theory. You have to jump through some hoops that the movie maybe should've done for us, but I think all of that checks out. Solomon's motivations would be questionable considering Sheba was long gone by then, or at least there was no sign of her reincarnation. You'd also have to wonder why Solomon only appeared at the airport and nowhere else. If he was that bent on making the Djinn's life miserable, why stop there? But otherwise I think it works. Good stuff.

[@blueismylove3128]

This is actually a good theory.

[@kikyojji]

I like this one!! It makes sense for me, bcs I am really bothered about this airport scene, like everything has meaning or purpose! The director definitely want to emphasize something...

[@blooddropdreamland3840]

I agree! I think it also functions as a plot device- if we are operating on the same interpretation of him being real (which we are) him being in pain in England also serves as a way to prove he really loved her. A theme of “true love cannot be asked for only given” also leads me to believe that we needed an adversity within the plot for the djinn to show his love not just when she wished/not just because she wished for it but showing that devotion and love through his own adversity. It works even if it’s not in meta about concentration of electromagnetic waves just as a way to ground it that he did love/was willing to come back against his own nature or after being injured at the x-ray. There were a LOT of other heavy symbolisms and numerology messages spread throughout the film that were of divinity, connection, and love which is interesting since it is this remedy of a lot of the themes at work we see in the narrative itself.

[@lealunarae]

Well said. I thought I'm the only one notice this

[@devonlee3444]

What stood out to me the most about this very interesting movie was the POWER of STORY TELLING. At first the Jinn was not very convincing to her to make her 3 wishes as she was very skeptical about him and being trapped or played by him. She just wanted to play it safe. The Stories that the Jinn shared with her each seemed to have been breaking down her walls until finally on the last story he shared with her removed all barriers and she was sold completely and of a totally different perspective and desire. They finally created a story of their own. Using Stories to convey messages, get sales , influence people are extremely effective. It was a captivating tale.

[@helyce5303]

The idea is what she says you cannot wish for love or ask for it. It's a gift. The Queen of Sheba did not love him. She loves Salomon. The girl could not wish for love from that prince. She died. The Jin could not make that smart woman love him At the end she set him free letting him choose to love her or not

[@divathedivinegoddess8001]

🥰❣

[@ergocinema]

I see the whole story as externalising her longing for a deeper connection. She's a storyteller and she has been since she was little and imagined her friend. She also imagined a husband and a child that never came to be -- her initial ideal. But the man fell for a different, more stereotypically beautiful woman. And when she grew older and she didn't find a relationship, she delved into the only thing she is truly passionate about: exotic cultures, travel and stories of old. She is the Djinn, the Djinn is her and she is also Sheba and the Genius, as indicated by the reoccurring gestures. At the end, she has finally made peace with the world and found love inside of herself.

[@TheNerdDoc]

That explanation works for most of the film, but what about when the Djinn has to leave her (just like her husband), and the meaning behind the Djinn coming back to visit?

[@ergocinema]

@@TheNerdDoc I'd say it's the idea of the "master of both worlds". Being able to go out there into the real world and the scrutiny of society, but also retreating back into the fantasy world, the isolation, and being content with oneself.

[@OffTheCover]

I loved this film. So creative and full of imagination. It's what story telling in movies is all about! I wish it had been marketed better because it's not getting the attention it genuinely needs.

[@TheNerdDoc]

I think they just didn't want to put a ton of money into marketing. That was probably a good choice, since even with a good marketing push it probably would've only made $10-20M

[@OffTheCover]

@@TheNerdDoc That's a shame since it was pretty good. It's a terrible weekend to debut, slowest of the year as everyone is away. Probably should have premiered later in the fall.

[@TheNerdDoc]

@@OffTheCover It may have played better during the holidays when all the awards season movies are releasing

[@nuntet7170]

The movie was great! The trailer for it sucked. The marketing all around was horrible

[@fantasma8253]

I would’ve loved it to be one of these like 3h movies and for them to really dig more into why she suddenly changed her mind about the wishes and wished for what she wished for. Or maybe dig more into the Sheba story or others stories. They were very good stories and I was captivated I only wished it would’ve been more fleshed out. I also believe they should made it so that the djinn and her fell in love naturally just like he did with zefir instead of her kinda forcing love

[@rxgaribay]

I enjoyed the movie very much. I like that this movie can be interpreted in many ways. I see this movie as a romantic story. She was lonely and had given up on love and having a family and she basically lived through stories. When the Djin tells her the stories and how he loved the other women this wakens the desire in her to love and be loved and so she wished for him to love her and so he does and they are both in love. She then realized he can’t simply tune out the electro magnetic field as she finds him turning to dust and makes her second wish that he speak to her as she can’t imagine him gone. She later realizes that he will not survive in her world, so for her their wish, she sends him to the Djin realm. She knows this means she will not see him again, but because she loves him, she sacrifices her love so that he can stay alive, but to her surprise he returns to the mortal realm to see her because although she set him free, he does still love her. That is my interpretation of the movie anyways.

[@MuneyJordan23]

Good Insight 🙂

[@paulcervenka]

It was interesting how the Djinn says, "Djinn don't sleep" and when he is wished to speak and eventually came back from his state of turning to dust, he says "he was sleeping". I don't know what significance that had on the story, but it seemed that it was put there for a purpose? I was also a bit underwhelmed by the film. It wasn't bad by any means, but the trailer seemed to suggest something different in terms of tone from what the film actually was. I have not read the source material, but this film seems to be a situation where the marketing overstated what it was selling. Still glad I saw it.

[@TheNerdDoc]

The film was fairly close to the source material. Some creative liberties were taken, but it hit most of the major plot beats. I agree that it was a bit underwhelming though. The source material is definitely better. The main significance of the Djinn turning to dust was to showcase that he could not remain in the modern world. Basically a plot device to force her to free him, which then led to him coming back and proving that he truly was in love with her.

[@julianacastrogray4339]

He didn't wanted her to see that he was falling apart and basically deteriorating so he tried to say that he was asleep but she hadn't forgotten what he said about djim don't sleep.

[@FrankDTank-lf4dq]

I think he's a trickster, the whole thing where he is turning to dust is a trick to force her to make another wish... when they are in Istambul and just before she makes her first wish, you can see him looking through the window with a sly smile

[@xxMpEGxx]

yeah the marketing implied something different I thought the second half of the movie would escalate into something bigger than the first half but I'm not disappointed though

[@denylamber7462]

He said he was sleeping. And Alethia realize Djiinn don't sleep, he actually died and she did bring him back with second wish.

[@djtenzen]

To me, one theme of this is a story of reincarnation as a means of long-term interplay between fated forces, the Djinn being just as fated as Alithea. Definitely reminded me of Cloud Atlas.

[@sakochristopher3967]

Yeah. He kept meeting the same woman over and over until she actually loved him for himself

[@jesusramos3426]

Whaaa

[@BoomBeachEnthusiast]

I think the Jinn's pain results from the duration of him existing in this time. Sure in Turkey, it had been about a day. In England however, I don't believe it stated how long he had been staying with her until he started to "dust" so I think it was the length of time he was exposed to everything.

[@TheNerdDoc]

Duration could be part of it, but he started feeling pain as soon as they arrived in England.

[@rxgaribay]

He stayed in England over 3 years

[@Djynni]

Strange idea. If I was in love with someone who had a problem with a modern city / country, I'd move to a place that didn't have this radiation that was killing them.

[@TheNerdDoc]

That's too easy. You can't have a dramatic ending to the film if they just make the logical decision to move somewhere else. 😂

[@user-sc7fk5ys6x]

Especially being an academic. That is a somewhat portable/ teleworkable career. Except that like most of us, scholars can’t afford to just go buy or rent a new place elsewhere just because they want to.

[@insertclevernamehere1186]

I felt like the "Followers of Solomon" plotline was introduced and dropped rather quickly. It was really only that one guy with the spider head, but he acted like there would always be followers interfering to ensure the Djinn's enternal imprisonment. But nope, never comes up again after that. Although, for a moment, I really thought that Airport Security guy was Solomon in disguise...

[@TheNerdDoc]

The stories were very much contained. I was definitely looking for additional meaning there, but there really didn't seem to be much

[@blueismylove3128]

I think the airport guy is a hint at reincarnation. Maybe.... Idk

[@panleon72]

Apart of Djinn there are much more forces wich interfernce our world Djinn is a positive one, the guy at the airport and the spider was the same very dark spirit which catch the weak greedy people in aim to enpower their weakness to do bad things . . .

[@KhaiFirst]

@@TheNerdDoc Ifirt / Iblis / Jinn if base in Islam is same creature hope that helps..

[@KhaiFirst]

the spider head" is actually Iblis.. is jinn but warrior/assassins' type jinn..

[@quietspark8703]

The goal of the Djinn's stories was solely to convince Alithea to make her wishes so the Djinn could be free(they were crafted by the Djinn for this purpose alone). This is why after the third story he looks out the window smiling, at that point he believes he has her in the palm of his hand. Then the impossible happens, instead of the Djinn granting Alithea's wish Alithea grants the Djinns wish to be loved, which he accepts. Being that every wish has consequences the Djinn's fate is sealed, or so it appears. Alithea then uses her final two wishes, one to let him speak and the other to free him. We are told every story about wishes ends badly and so does this one even though it doesn't seem like it: Alethia sits in the park looking at a couple in love knowing her relationship with the Djinn will never truly be as real as theirs. It's likely true she does not care that her relationship with the Djinn will never be real, but it is still a consequence of her wishes.

[@LediLea]

Wow, a great explanation, thanks

[@srilankanguy8737]

I think it's important to keep in mind what alithea said in the beginning while watching the movie. She was talking about the importance of narrative/stories, how we have always used them to make sense of the world. She said she's going to tell her story through fairytales but then began describing the world we live in, which I thought was saying that there is a fine blurry line between our world and fairy tales. I thought of it as a story about stories, the stories we tell ourselves to cope, the stories we tell others... What is human life but a bundle of stories. It made me think about the nature of time and how to cope in long periods of solitude (the stories we must tell ourselves to keep going). It made me think of how much "magic" we have in the world that we take for granted, But at the same time how much information is just floating around which we sometimes without knowing feel crushed by and the importance of sometimes taking a break from it. Also I thought of what my heart truly desires and what I'd lose from my current life if they came true. I saw the different meanings of love and that in life they all have equal value, one of my favourite scenes was the look of love, friendship and admiration in the eyes of the prince when he was listening to the story teller. The story obviously has no clear cut meaning but stories like life don't really need to. It can mean different things to different people. We may not fully understand it but it can help us make sense of things we face in our world a little better. As Alithea said before science we had stories... And this is just one such story

[@jaguarazul]

🥰👌👏

[@blessing291]

auww we both have the same fav part from the film...the look of love, friendship and that part where the djinn i think told Alithea something like "it's always wise to understand those who have a hold on you.."

[@coreyano]

Nice breakdown

[@lillolo2]

For some reason I interpreted the "making sense of the world" with stories bit differently. I thought she was letting us know that she was using story to relay her mental illness. I thought she was having lapses all throughout the movie. I thought there was something off with her brain, like a "bleed" (as alluded to toward the end). She was always getting headaches. I thought she used the story to convey what the experience felt like. Heat? Flashes? Hallucinations?

[@srilankanguy8737]

@@lillolo2 that's also an interesting way to look at it. I love it because it's real art, it invites you to interpret and enjoy it in anyway. "It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors" - Oscar Wilde

[@Furriner]

Interesting read. I thought Alithea was being selfish and trapped the djinn by wishing he loved her. Once she makes this wish, he never looks particularly happy. She delays her second and third wishes (and so his freedom) until he is literally dying. She does finally complete her wishes and sends him to where he belongs, thus freeing him. But he still must come back and see her (and be in physical pain) because he loved her, due to her wish. It's all on her terms (which, I guess, is the point). She never even asks him his name! (She doesn't really care. He's a thing to her.) If he was deliberately reaching out to her, that kind of changes everything. I'll have to watch the movie again.

[@TheNerdDoc]

Once she set him free, he was no longer bound by her first wish. He didn't have to come back and visit her at all, but the fact that he does shows that he still cared for her

[@Furriner]

@@TheNerdDoc OK. Wasn't sure about that.

[@Reeeeeee12345]

Typical roastee. Why are you surprised?

[@Ashbrash1998]

I thought so too, but one thing I noticed is that the djinn had a little more freedom than you would think. He doesn't have to fulfill the wish immediately since he has debated with previous wishers, like giving them a chance to change their mind before he does so. I thinks that's why Althea asks him if its too much cause she can change her decision. On the name thing, I took it like names are very special and to know it would give a person control over them. Like in Rumplestilskin or demons for example, which we saw when Solomon had an ifrit tell him Sheba's mother's name.

[@sylvesterwilliams9531]

I thought the movie was complete bullshit

[@Ltlbrthr12]

I got the impression that she was talking to herself the whole time. In the beginning she said she would tell the story in the form of a fairytale or a fable. It's seemed to me that she was debating with herself in her own mind or making the case with herself that she is happy being on her own though she did have a husband and I believe they had a miscarriage and they didn't work out after that, therefore he moved on and found someone else while she stayed alone content in her stories, which having stories in her head was a way of her using stories to cause herself to reflect on feelings of love loneliness and she comes to make a deal with herself to love herself and though the world can be a busy busy place that she would take time out to love herself, which in the movie was the djinn coming back to love her which was her being single and loving herself and enjoying her life though she was going through life by herself alone. Just as a happy content single person would talk to themselves debating whether to be single lonely, though happy and content or should they find someone to be with the rest of their life just to not be lonely though love is not for sure or that it will last, much less forever and she concluded that she would stay single 🤨. That's the way it came across to me 🙂

[@TheNerdDoc]

It's interesting because in the source material they have children, but they chose to go the route of a miscarriage in the film. I think that really changes the tone of the film, and some of the motivations of the main character.

[@LediLea]

I really liked your theories and even more the comment section with all the theories. Thanks a lot for your work and making people share on this! But about the video: I personally would prefer a "talking head" video with frames from trailer than looped video from trailer (I suppose that some technical/copyright issues are reasons for it but it was a bit hard to concentrate while watching the same cuts all over again)

[@TheNerdDoc]

Thanks! It's always a bit more difficult covering films in theaters because of the lack of footage. I match the trailer footage where I can, but obviously it's still limited. I'll consider a talking head video in the future to see if that works better.

[@jeffwatkins352]

Love this film more than I can say, and thanks for your insights. I sort of vaguely wondered if the two early Istambul apparitions might be the djin reaching out to Anathea, and I guess we agree on that point. I'm not so sure about her imaginary friend in childhood, but it's an interesting theory.

[@TheNerdDoc]

You're welcome! So glad you enjoyed the film and the video. You have to wonder why her imaginary friend was mentioned. Was it just to showcase her vast imagination, or was there more to it? Given how the Djinn responded to her when she mentioned it, I'm leaning toward him having a hand it that in some way.

[@NamaJeff]

I believe the whole story on the importance of storytelling and mythos eroded by the modern world. The main character is a person who studies stories and narrative for a living, where she states in her conference that the imagination and passion that went into creating mythos around natural phenomena has been replaced by scientific discovery. The Djinn recalls his experiences of historical events and the mystical aspects of history, showing that he and the stories he tells are from a bygone era. I believe that the reason the Djinn begins to fade after leaving Turkey is not a response to the electromagnetism but a response to his role in the world being eroded by technology and science. He is in a place that he does not belong. I can't help but wonder if this is a commentary on the lost art of storytelling, there is so much about the story teller that enamored Mustafar, the role of the Alithea as a scholar of literature or how the Djinn was forced out of the world by the knowledge that Zefir accumulated. Honestly this is kind of a weird interpretation as it doesn't include the whole love aspect but there was definitely a deeper meaning about storytelling that was consistent throughout the movie. The Djinn obviously represents the mystic and ancient. There is a reason that he is destroyed by the modern world. Something about how the world loses magic through innovation.

[@Grimsg]

I saw this last night and have been reading different interpretations of this film. I'd like to believe that the Djinn is real, even if Alithea states at the beginning of the film that though her story is true, she wants to tell it like a fairytale, indicating that it is a fantastical interpretation of events and you're not sure to believe if it is real or imagined. But either way, it doesn't matter because we all eat up a good story. We like to believe 'lies' over hard facts because it sounds nice. We don't even know if the stories that the Djinn relates through his history are true, but who cares, it sounds awesome and are incredibly confessional. It's true the Djinn could have just been a regular guy Alithea falls in love with in Istanbul and the relationship doesn't work out when she brings him back to London, is like plucking a bird out of their natural environment and expecting it to live in a different one. And she realizes that in her selfishness, she has pained him and so she does the selfless, painful act of spending her last wish to set him free. Which benefits him because he's been longing for freedom for so long, but at the expense of her desire. But at the end of the film, she accepts this truth of his separation, treasures this memory of their time together and puts it in a book. But it also turns out that they do kind of have a long distance relationship that even though it hurts him to visit her in London, he comes visit her, and she enjoys his time but she also knows sadly that he can't be with her all the time, but she accepts this and so does he. It's a very emotional mature level of love that you don't see often in many romance films, and it's not easy for mainstream audiences to process this bittersweet kind of love. Casablanca, Roman Holiday, Lost in Translation, Brief Encounter, does this as well where the couple loves each other, but make the ultimate sacrifice of love by letting each other go. But they treasure the time they spent together as a memory. But the film also has a more on-the-nose agenda especially in the final act, when the Djinn comes home with Alithea to London. He is heightened by all the transmittal noise and buzz and electromagnetic static in the atmosphere. This 'noise' is more about the negativity, unhappiness, overstimulation of the modern world/ social media, 'too much info'. And this is personified as Alithea's conservative ultra white grumpy karen neighbors. What's beautiful about this scene is though Alithea is affected by them and initially wants to 'wish them away', she chooses love. She chooses to bring the exotic Turkish desserts to her neighbors and introduce the Djinn as her partner to show love instead of counter with violence. It's incredibly beautiful and selfless. Alithea is a really interesting character because it is rare for someone to not desire anything even when presented the choice. Interestingly, she has compartmentalized her loneliness into boxes and keeps them in storage and doesn't dwell on it. Like how as a child, she came up with an imaginary friend but over time grew out of the idea because realism caught up with her. Something in her mind told her that 'it was silly having an imaginary friend', so she trashed the idea. Like how when we get older, truth makes us skeptical to the make belief. She had a husband but when the relationship failed, she compartmentalized her grief and moved on. She thought she was perfectly happy with this idea and honestly didn't think much about it. But in meeting the Djinn catching her in an incredibly vulnerable position (literally in her bathrobe in her own hotel room) and as she listens to his tales and understands his plight, she realizes that this 'wishing business' isn't that black and white, that he's actually pleading for his freedom. He has seen and experienced the good and bad of human desire and though he presents Alithea 3 wishes, he really hopes that she doesn't screw it up, and he also relates to her that he is also jaded by people too. He fell in love, got screwed over and got imprisoned again and again and really just wants out of this stupid life loop. From his stories, she recognizes that he's not that trickster Djinn that she has read about, that he's a genuine soul and in processing all that he tells her, she thinks hard about her life and comes to a realization, that she has been pushing away her loneliness, she actually longs for love and to be loved, and in talking to the Djinn, he has helped her find her desire. You could say she loves him out of pity for him but I think it has grown beyond that, from all he tells her, she has assessed that this guy has seen all sorts of things, he's not perfect, but he's not evil/ manipulative. She fell in love with his character, not his power. It is an incredibly beautiful film and has been added to my list of all time favorite films. Absolutely loved this film!

[@ferdinandtugano6431]

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[@Japanthewoman]

Fresh out of seeing the movie and I need some time to mull it over. Maybe I need to see it a few more times to pick up on some things I might have missed. The biggest issue I think is why he wasn't set free after Zefir made her third wish? She made the wish, and it was granted so.... 🤷‍♀ That plot hole aside, I feel like what it comes down to is that it is a plot/theme driven story as opposed to a character driven one. No one really is all that well fleshed out. No one is really meant to be. This is not a story about Alethea and a djinn, it's a story about longing, love, and loss. The characters are less important than the themes of the story being told. Alethea's desire to love and be loved just has to be there (even if it is not built up to very well.) We can only infer a little bit more out of the djinn because he tells 3 different stories so we "get to know him" a little better through those stories, but only slightly. We are moved from one plot point to another without as much importance on "why" because everything they say and do is to convey the themes and advance the plot, not the character. This makes sense for a movie where both the main characters are storytellers telling stories. The question is, is it a good story? That's up to the individual. It will speak to some and not others. If you already know about the lore of djinn, the history of Turkey, or the story this is based you may be able to get more out of it. I also just wanted to address the disintegration thing. He didn't mention it until they got to London (because it wasn't plot relevant until then) but he would have wound up just the same if they had stayed in Turkey. They were only there for a day so it hadn't taken its toll yet.

[@TheNerdDoc]

I agree with your explanation except the London/Turkey thing. Yes, they were only in Turkey for a day or two, but he mentioned the pain as soon as he left the bottle in London. It was an immediate thing. It was a plot device, but the point that I was trying to make is that it doesn't work because he should've felt that same pain in Turkey, and if he didn't, why didn't they just go back to Turkey when he came to visit at the end of the film?

[@insertclevernamehere1186]

@@TheNerdDoc not quite. While in Turkey, he would still need to filter it all out, but as his primary goal was to be released, he felt no need to share this information, as if he successful, he would be free and back home asap. However, after the love wish was made, he felt comfortable to share this info with her, especially since he was likely to stay till the end of her mortal life. Unfortunately, he seemed to be unaware of the toll it would take over a long period of time, likely due to him comparing it to the suffering he experienced during his long imprisonment. This is also why he's fine at the end. He only visits every so often, and for a short time, so it's far less harmful to him. Think of it like lying in a tanning bed. Stay in there too long and you'll shrivel up and die.

[@TheNerdDoc]

@@insertclevernamehere1186 He wasn't successful with any of his previous masters, so why would he keep that information to himself in hopes that this one would be the one who freed him in a day? Seems quite hopeful. There was no indication that he was in any kind of pain in Turkey. Any logic we place on why that is would just be us trying to make it make sense because logic points to a plot hole more than anything else. Also, at the end of the film he stays longer than he should every single time. She had to beg him to leave, presumably because she could see it was hurting him. All we needed was a single line about how he felt the same pain in Turkey, but we didn't get that, so here we are. 😅

[@blueismylove3128]

@@TheNerdDoc I half agree with op. I don't think he felt immediate pain in Turkey because it wasn't as busy/lively as England. Eventually he would die, but not as quickly. On top of that he was in England longer than he was in Turkey. Think of their tanning bed analogy. You can stay in a cooler tanning bed longer than a hotter one but eventually you'll have to get outta both before it becomes to much. I mostly think it's just to drive the plot forward like op said tho and isn't all that deep.

[@xxMpEGxx]

I thought the reason why the Djinn is deteriorating in England was because of the contradictory wish Alithea had made: true love is given freely, but her wish robbed him of his freedom to love.

[@TheNerdDoc]

That's an interesting take. Certainly possible, but then what about his choice to return over the years?

[@85shuhel]

Because you can love someone but not be in love. She wanted true love and he couldn't give her that, but he could give her love and respect

[@xxMpEGxx]

@@TheNerdDoc what about it? They were at least friends.

[@musicsoul4037]

@@TheNerdDoc maybe its because of her second wish which is "talk to me". with the second wish she kinda force him to talk to him even from time to time.

[@DCHite]

Loved the movie. But still not sure about the little man in the airport was. Seems he the Djinn in disguise (or at least manifested/projected somehow in disguise. When she wished him to speak and he left the cellar, from behind he appeared to be mush smaller - resembling the small man from the airport scene. Also, it seems there was originally more to the member of Sheba's court who appeared in the lecture hall. In the final cut he was just a scary vision that overwhelmed her for no apparent reason. Again, I suspect there was more to the character but it wound up on the cutting room floor.

[@TheNerdDoc]

Both characters were manifestations from the Djinn in an attempt to get her to find the bottle. It's very similar to what he did in the second story trying to lure people to his bottle.

[@bill2070]

Why her?

[@lokumo13]

Hi, a Turk living in the U.S. here. Haven't seen the movie yet, though I have been to London, and was born in Istanbul and grew up there my whole life and yes, you are absolutely correct that it makes no damn sense that the writers decided the way they did regarding the electromagnetic waves etc. Istanbul's official population is 15.5 mil, the unofficial adding a few more millions to it, whereas London's is half of that...The historical peninsula, where I am expecting the most of this movie to take part in (because that's unfortunately all there is to Hollywood et al.), is one of the most densely populated areas of the city...I am a fan of George Miller, and Mad Max. Though I was a bit worried when I heard this movie was getting strange and mostly negative reviews. It saddens me to hear such a decision they've made in the plot, since it gives the movie its second strike before I even get to see it...

[@TheNerdDoc]

It was quite confusing to me. As I mentioned in the video, the only way that makes sense is if the fantasy movie version of Turkey, it's somehow a third-world country, or lost half its population. Not a great explanation, but the best I could come up with to make it make sense.

[@lokumo13]

@@TheNerdDoc Ok so I went and saw to movie, and have to say it wasn't terrible but I also didn't necessarily enjoy it. Left the theater with lots of questions in mind. Other than the annoyance I've felt due to being from the city the movie was SUPPOSEDLY filmed in (I bet you they were never in Istanbul. It was all studios or green screen-which, given the travel restrictions under COVID I can understand, though they at least could have made some sensible decisions with some of the scenes when it came to environment and the setting. You can't see the towers in the distance from through the windows of the room Alithea was staying in, or the courtyard in which they were walking, by the Blue Mosque, does not look like the way it does in the movie, etc.), and the previously spoken about issue regarding the electromagnetic waves issue, I think I would give this movie a 4/10 just out of sheer work that has gone on it. I also was quite appalled by the extreme Orientalist take they had on the Ottoman palace scenes. Oh well, I was expecting a lot more from Miller but this was quite disappointing .

[@TheNerdDoc]

@@lokumo13 Thanks for coming back to offer your insights. That sounds similar to my take. I went in expecting more based on the trailers and the fact that it's Miller, but I wasn't impressed as I left the theater. I don't know where things went wrong, because as best I can tell, the source material is much better, and the actors were great. I have to agree with the fact that this was probably all green screen instead of filming on location. But given the fact they're in Turkey, show us some nice landmarks. Let us feel like we're there.

[@lokumo13]

@@TheNerdDoc For sure!

[@ronz101]

When I was a little boy my grandfather told me stories one of which has stayed with me all these many years. Storytelling is almost a lost art and I hope the storytellers keep telling them and writing them down. Yes....they make you think!

[@betinabinah1825]

How about sharing the story with us.....❤

[@talkingshadow]

I think Turkey and England were used as metaphors for different worlds, one were tales, fantasy and magic lives and one that has grown out of it.

[@TheNerdDoc]

That makes a lot of sense. It probably should've been made more clear in the film, but that's about the only explanation that doesn't make it seem as though the writers were saying Turkey is a third-world country

[@talkingshadow]

@@TheNerdDoc yea maybe , but sometimes me I appreciate symbolism, it makes me think about meanings. Also btw have you noticed the neighbors and the buzzing, I think it's how everything is over connected, and how people comment on everything even personal things and interfere with people lives in negative way..we see it happens online a lot..and how it can be depressing sometimes, as people tend to be sometimes mean and bullying because maybe they are hiding behind screens while they might not be that awful face to face. I'm not sure, it's just the feeling I got from those England scenes. You know also the whole idea of longing and waiting for love is what really got me, because of a personal experience, my ex went through some mental troubles and I've tried to be supportive and just available whenever she needed me even though she would disappear for year or more.. I was just waiting for her to get better and be again the same person I've met and spent few years with in the beginning of our relationship. But I realized two years ago that she's never gonna be that person again, the troubles she went through changed her forever. So I had to let her go. I somehow locked myself in a bottle, waiting, longing.. I also realized and accepted reality at the end like Tilda's character did. Lol sorry for the long message I don't know why I felt like sharing all of this.

[@ElephantBobcat]

You missed the fact that her and exe lost a baby which she never spoke about, but was represented in her memories in the film.

[@TheNerdDoc]

The way the movie treated that, it didn't feel as integral to the story. In the source material, they actually have children, but they didn't go that route with the movie, which was interesting. It almost made it seem as though Jack left partially because of the baby, but they didn't go into it at all so hard to say

[@jayvee320]

@@TheNerdDoc For me the way that she treated the memory was a pretty integral part of her story though. She literally boxed up her life with her ex-husband and put it on a shelf. She taught her self along time ago how to compartmentalize and remove herself from these big emotions. Like with the journal and the boys she created. She created him because she needed him for her emotions, but when she got old enough and felt like she could handle her emotions on her own she literally threw him in a box of fire. And as she grew older she learned to put these parts of her self away.

[@TheNerdDoc]

@@jayvee320 Agreed, but this comment was talking specifically about the lost baby, not the relationship as a whole

[@lenawagenfuehr53]

​@@TheNerdDocthe director seems to have a problem with babies...two were referred to (Alethia's and the Genus') and never mentioned agajn...

[@austinlubetkin]

I think a big Easter egg is the implied end of Zeter’s story. All her knowledge never reached the public because it all burned in a fire. Maybe as the result of giving birth to the djinn’s child who is referred to as made of subtle fire. Also not sure if it’s accurate but the shape of the burned bottle looks like a hand imprint

[@TheNerdDoc]

I like that. Would also be interesting if she safely had the child and it ended up being one of the great scholars of the time.

[@Japanthewoman]

Must have been a real surprise when she gave birth to that baby since she had forgotten about the djinn's existence!

[@austinlubetkin]

@@Japanthewoman she likely would be accused of cheating since the child didn’t look like her husband and that’s even more tragic if she has no memory of cheating and is punished for something she doesn’t believe she did

[@blueismylove3128]

Can someone explain to me the part about the Djinn's child? When I say the movie I didn't quite understand if she was pregnant or had already given birth or what happened with that.

[@coreyano]

Yooooo! Nice theory!

[@pyroromancer]

maybe Alethea is the same soul, reincarnated, Djnn has been longing for 3000 years. Two souls destined always find each other in the next life.

[@TheNerdDoc]

The movie definitely plays into her being somehow connected to the Djinns previous love interests, whether that's directly, or through the eyes of the Djinn

[@davidclifford5393]

It is a film about love and the longing for love. However, Althea's inner world was so complicated that it was difficult to grasp the romantic tension between the characters and the pain they had suffered as a result of love and longing for love. The side stories were beautiful, but they were somewhat distracting in this regard.

[@djtenzen]

Also, in regards to her ex - before he cheated, they showed her putting away a pregnancy test, an obvious desire to manifest Enzo. A child can certainly represent an unbreakable bond of love. I'm wondering what more there is to the idea of being turned away from that more traditional human route of life. Perhaps this story is her ultimate moksha, the escape from Samsara. In some sense, her love with the Djinn is about compromise, balance and the avoidance of the type of excessive desires that destroyed all prior forms of their love or interaction. I can't help but see the idea of surrender in here, and I think it's so beautiful and relevant to so many of our lives.

[@TheNerdDoc]

What's interesting in that in the original short story she has kids with her previous marriage. So the fact that it didn't happen here, but the outcome was still the same is an interesting change

[@nadialott6314]

AM I THE ONLY ONE THAT THOUGHT SHE WAS HIS DAUGHTER?! (Or descendent of some kind) - the fact that people who are part Djin have an extra sensitivity to him - the fact that she and his last love had the same intellectual drive and physical habits? And she was pregnant with his child and forgot him? - the fact that she has no parents or family of any kind? - how she picks up the frequency of the music and it plays throughout her life as if she can attach to it? - the pregnancy test in the scrap book but her lack of children? LIKE THE STERILE DONKEY?! - how she could see other Djin or spiritual things before ever touching the glass thing he was trapped in - her solitude. How she can’t hold on to the people she loves Just like him? - only thing missing was the hairy legs!! - when they had them be romantic I was THROWN. I did not think this was where this was going. At. All.

[@ppande_]

THESE WERE PRECISELY MY CONCLUSIONS WELL!! I thought that she would turn out to be a descendant of Zefir(the genius lady); that the MC would wish her first wish to let the Djinn trace his alive descendants or something 😂 I was bewildered when she suddenly professed her love to him. It came out of nowhere. I was after the descendant theory as well because there were all the signs as you have mentioned, and was quite disgusted when she suggested he love her. I was like - BUT HE COULD BE YOUR GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT….GRANDFATHER!!!!!!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@riacosta7921]

This was a fantastic movie! I was turned off by the trailer thinking it would be corny like Will Smith's Aladdin, but I saw this on the day all movie tickets were $3 on 9/3/22 and I was blown away. The writing for this film and Idris Elba's story telling was so captivating. It was a beautifully told story. Definitely disserving of an award. More well written movies and characters like these will most certainly bring me back to the movies. I had seen Bullet Train earlier in the day and that was just junk; wish I could get my $3 back on that one.

[@TheNerdDoc]

Bullet Train and 3K Years are very different films trying to entertain audiences in very different ways. Bullet Train is pure action and comedy, while this movie is far more cerebral in nature.

[@thismachinekillsfascists1138]

Everything that transpired in the film is literal and anyone who says otherwise is one of the old hags who live next door to Tilda Swinton's character.

[@TheNerdDoc]

🤔🤔🤔

[@thismachinekillsfascists1138]

@@TheNerdDoc Lol, I was going for obstinate myopia. Thanks for the video

[@chrisguevara]

The electromagnetic thing can be explained by her assumptions of both countries... assuming the whole thing is her imagination.

[@TheNerdDoc]

Yeah, if we assume this was all in her head, then I would agree with that.

[@brittneygillings7499]

Ok this explanation helped me understand better. Thank-you!

[@TheNerdDoc]

You're welcome. Glad I could help!

[@LuthienAlexandra]

One of the most beautiful films I have ever seen

[@blessing291]

the major feeling i got while/after watching this is....that: I will never seem To hav that kind of conversation/connection that Alithea and the Djinn had like, seriously mannn, paiinnn 😂😭

[@TheNerdDoc]

I think that was a big theme of the film. Alithea was searching for that same kind of connection her entire life (and mostly failing). It wasn't until she met the Djinn that she finally found it, which is why she made that first wish. So all you need to do is go to Turkey and find a Djinn of your own. 😅

[@Amuzic]

My theory is different from both the theories you mentioned. I think the answer lies in the conversation that happens between Alethia and her two nosy elderly neighbors. How they were condescending towards people from other ethnicity because "not how they look ,but what they eat and does". The djinn was really a man of different ethnicity from middle East who was living in Turkey. And as UK was having kind of a refugee crisis and Alethia having to bring the djinn somehow bypassing the airport scrutiny all points to undocumented migration because she fell in love with the guy. Probably the guy was a chef. The points hit home when she decided to bring the food made by djinn to the older ladies to show them , after all they are not different and food and culture from other ethnicities can be as good if not better. And then the djinn decided to show himself too..in hoodies...so, basically this is an amalgamation of both the theories...it was part real part imagination. It was really a man whom Alethia imagined to be a djinn...and all the tales told by the djinn were histories that Alethia studied about other cultures that made her overcome the tribal mindset that we al have and the beauty and richness of other cultures.

[@TheNerdDoc]

That's an interesting theory. Certainly some parallels can be made there. What about everything that happened before she met the Djinn? And what about the stories the Djinn told her? How would all of that factor in?

[@coreyano]

My favorite comment so far

[@phantom_bride707]

I absolutely loved the movie it was so beautiful and just a piece of art

[@TheNerdDoc]

It was visually impressive, but I really liked the scenes with just the two of them

[@Frimzeey]

Same!!! i really enjoyed it as well. I was literally wrapped in the story.

[@juniorm641]

It’s most made e cry. Movies rarely do

[@abolfazl547]

Thank you for your detailed review. I didn't understand what you said, what was symbolic in the movie?

[@TheNerdDoc]

You're welcome! Alithea's acknowledgement that death is coming. In the short story there's a direct reference to her sadness partially stemming from knowing that death is coming. That isn't directly referenced in the movie, but there is some symbolism to that effect.

[@wonwusprince6333]

​@@TheNerdDocwhose death? her or the djinn?

[@lisnamoljoseph4681]

Welll expained!!!

[@TheNerdDoc]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video

[@lisnamoljoseph4681]

@@TheNerdDoc ❤️🙏

[@DimpzNYC]

Seems like the djinn was an extension of her. As she was was talking to her neighbours there was a lot of feedback/noise because to her, that's what it is like being back at "home" around those people. Eg. The opinions of others, the traffic, rush hour etc. All noise to her. When she was in Istanbul, she was free from that. The noise stemmed from being back home. Although her home wasn't really home. And as a result her connection to the djinn suffered because her mind wasn't clear. Similar to the prince/king who became bloodthirsty. His mind got lost in the battle of war and thus he couldn't sense the djinn anymore like he could when he was a kid. Just my interpretation.

[@TheNerdDoc]

That makes sense, but then why did the Djinn come to visit her after she freed him?

[@DimpzNYC]

@@TheNerdDoc good question. Gonna watch it again

[@lucky2516]

@@TheNerdDocI noticed the Jinn "came back" after her seeing a couple in love then a child calling her his mom so maybe she did imagine Jinn to help her cope with her triggers and convince herself she was content being all alone? That makes the final seen a part of her imagination too: she imagined walking with him and him kicking the ball back (the same with her neighbors the two ladies looked rather confused when she said he would be staying, almost as if there was no one there behind her)

[@aeaf25]

@@lucky2516 to me, the expression on her neighbor's faces looked like they were definitely responding to his presence.

[@ireneramos]

I would like to know who the two men at the beginning of the story were, who the demon was and why was the djinn afraid of him, and finally what happened to the djinn and Zafirs child??

[@9razzler9]

this is where people who arent into the occult misses a few details - whether it is logical or not to science. reincarnation is something that happens when your soul is repurposed into a new vessel but the energy signature you exude is similar. hence why rhere are some similarities between alithea and the other women the djinn shared stories of and was in love with. that explains the thousands of years of longing, waiting for a reiteration of alithea in this current form that he can finally be in love with. there have been many stories of djinns stalking humans and falling in love with them because they were lovers or had some connection in the human's previous lives. the djinn didnt turn to dust because of excessive electromagnetic waves alone. he is slowly disintegrating because he overextends his stay in human form, which is something djinns are not supposed to as it requires a lot of energy for djinns to sustain a solid form. he became in love with alithea that he wants to feel as humans do and retain his form longer than he should. because he's using too much of his energy in corporeal form AND adapting/fighting off the bombardment of electromagnetic waves, he is sapping his life force trying to be her lover. being in the bottle, shapeless, formless, as energy - and shielded by layers of hard materials - were what preserved him in this realm. there's a reason why there's a separation in realms between theirs and ours. note how the neighbour said "birds belong in the air, fish belong in the sea" - it's a hint that one being cannot exist in another plane of existence that isn't what they are evolved from for too long.

[@okeyonyemasharon4150]

So how come he stayed long with Zefir without turning to dust if it really is about extended stay in human form?

[@9razzler9]

@@okeyonyemasharon4150 back then there's no man made electromagnetic frequency that bombards him. so he can prolong the stay. it's like having an infection, being sick and doing hard labour

[@domniqueisleseer5101]

Thank you for the esoteric/metaphysical view and thoughts that you have given, I was looking for this, as many chose to see the Djinn as a figment of her imagination. And knowing that the spirit realm etc is real, and though I have never seen or met a djinn to my knowledge, I feel the concept of this movie is very much feasible, once you have a basic understanding or of how spiritual/spirit energy works. I'm not great at explaining what I wish to convey. But your comment pretty much has said all what I feel towards this movie :) I'm pleased I've finally watched it, and found it quite enjoyable.

[@cilesfineline]

Thank you for this very astute interpretation of this film. I think it very accurate and one of the best I've read yet. I sense, however, that this story (by A.S. Byatt, which I read ) is actually an allegory of the evolution of the male and female ideology - that is, how we frame relationship. At least I think it touches upon it in a fascinating way, intended or not. The traps are the same devices we experience with romantic thinking in poking about the science of electromagnetic fields, is Alithea and/or the djinn real or not, and the like in trying to 'nail the story down' in some way. I'm enjoying this film in the light of Alithea as a version of the cultivated human female and the Djinn is a version of romantic male ideation and how over many lives of loving we are now seeking more fluid and timeless associations with relationships within ourselves and with our relationships to each other.

[@ileananicolari7121]

I saw it today. And i I liked it. I've found interesting how the stoy shows that love will prevails above lust( first story) greed( second story ) and power( third story) i am not a romantic person but the last part , when they are waking toward the horizon is very touching

[@kuzonio]

About the electromagnetic pollution between England & Turkey, what if it had more to do with the information being transmitted and it’s purpose rather than how much there was of it? The Djinn mentioned sins when he started scanning through her computer & tech earlier in the film, let’s not forget Englands past they had to sin a lot to progress so quickly as they did over the centuries.

[@TheNerdDoc]

Possibly? But Turkey has taken part in a number of wars over the years. I'm not sure people in England would be sharing information that was so much more sinful than people in Turkey. Not to mention all the foreigners in Turkey as well.

[@matnolia]

I was lead to believe that the Djinn was as imaginary, mostly due to the general lack of romantic chemistry between them before her first wish was made. They seemingly showed no romantic or sexual interest in each other while the Djinn told his stories, then all of a sudden, she confesses her love for him and proposes that they should be in love? It seemed too intentionally quick and senseless to me. I’m used to similar things happening in cheesy, badly-written romantic comedies but this movie doesn’t seem like it wanted to be one of those. This moment seems very intentional, suddenly switching up on the audience. If he’s a creation of a socially-hopeless, lonely woman’s imagination, then it makes sense that there would be little build up to such an intense romantic situation with someone she’s literally just met. Let alone to have him immediately agree. She wants to skip to the good part of her imagined situation, the part where she loves and is loved.

[@vdizhoor]

I don’t think this is romance. I got a sense that Elba’s character is a personification of a combination of longing and solitude, and that’s what she wants to love, can’t love her back, but sometimes brings her joy.

[@Spark_Books]

Can someone please explain the significance of that man who placed the Djinn through the airport Xray? He was the same guy whose head turned into a spider and the Djinn was afraid of.

[@TheNerdDoc]

The theory is that he was King Solomon in some way. Either a direct reincarnation, or some sort of magic used to possess that person.

[@halfriver]

What if he HAD to come back from time to time in order to really be free (as a consequence to the first wish)? If he didn't come back then it means he failed to grant her first wish, therefore still being stuck since he only granted 2 wishes. Also, was it not a plot hole that she wished she never met him and nothing happened as a consequence of that (besides the broken recipient)? - I expected it to restart their relationship. However, maybe this could be explained by the fact that he can only grant wishes truly come from the heart and since she felt all the loneliness, probably didn't really want him gone.

[@kimberlyrobinson3992]

I don’t think the electromagnetism was really the cause of the djinn almost decaying. He thought it was but I think he was wrong. He could survive in Turkey because that was his place, first of all. Secondly, it’s a place where djinn and the past are still greatly respected. So, sort of how Tinkerbell can die if people, especially children, don’t believe in her. I don’t think those two elderly neighbors were in the movie by accident. I think they’re meant to represent the British sensibility that doesn’t accept any foreign. Maybe that was a subtle dig by the director. I don’t know. But, basically, the djinn always had to hide in London, covering his ears, etc. So, I don’t think he was compatible with the entire place. He even mentioned how the air was different. I can understand that he could visit her world for a time but couldn’t stay permanently.

[@atostclair7787]

Honestly the film being told narratively made it that much better. The final act was honestly kind of slow as compared to the rest of the movie and was almost duller. I honestly feel like the Djinn had no real feeling towards her, especially since she said when she asked him she took away his power to give it. Supported by the fact thaf his greatest desire was to be free and she trapped him with her 1st wish. I feel like the electro-mag waves did affect him though. Probably like a build up thing, being stuck to her for so long and he managed to control it at first but it became too much for him. It's as if all his senses are connected to fthe em waves and he suffered overstimulation. Like he was overpowered by this force and rather than adapting he was broken down by it.

[@TimLee356]

perfectly paced, great music and dialogues. what could you possibly want more?

[@FawnieFox]

I guess this film wasn’t for me. I just thought the whole idea I forcing someone to love you was sort of a “yikes moment.” It was also weird that she wanted them to be in love after spending one afternoon talking to him.

[@ChurchofPirateology]

My only question is that sometimes the "wishes" are instant yet other times the genie argues against the wishes spoken... whether the whole thing is bs or not it is still an inconsistancy

[@Critterz2418]

My husband and I discussed the whole Turkey vs. England thing after watching last night, and here’s what we came up with. It’s possible the reason that Djinn had a hard time in London and not Instanbul is the amount of time he had been in the modern human world. Alithea was just visiting Turkey so they probably were only there for a week or so, but as they lived together in London the Djinn’s exposure to tech had a cumulative effect. The x-ray scan might have been so concentrated that it sped things up, but it could also have just been building up over time. They cared for each other so deeply that if it was just a matter of geography, Alithea surely would have relocated to be with him.

[@TheNerdDoc]

That's certainly a plausible explanation that it built up over time. As we both mentioned though, why not just move? Seems like an easy fix to that problem

[@Critterz2418]

@@TheNerdDoc I think because those harmful waves would have been all over. We have satellites in the sky and server farms in the arctic, so any place where technology couldn’t reach could prove to be uninhabitable for Alithea. Although it has been established that Djinn can conjure food and drink and could certainly create any shelter they chose, so they could ostensibly camp out in the middle of the Sahara for example. But because I’m a romantic, and I love this story so much, I like to think if there was a place on earth (or in any another realm) that was habitable for the both of them, then between Alithea’s intellect and Djinn’s omniscience they would have found it. Loved your video btw. Very well done. :)

[@TheNerdDoc]

@@Critterz2418 Thanks so much! Without knowing more about what exactly caused the issue, you could be right. If it was the satellites orbiting the planet, then nowhere would be safe. If it was more localized technology, then the Sahara as you mentioned, or the Australian outback or something.

[@wolzagallery2060]

I think it could also be a story about a woman’s struggle with brain cancer She starts hullinating, then collapses at the conference. The tumor probably pressing against the wrong parts in her head. She find out the news and starts searching for the meaning of life and love and coming to terms with death. The djien is a hullicination that creates meaning and interconnectedness between everything she is reading and learning since she found out the news. Her friend in the cab mentions a djien and she conjurs it real. At the airport she is afraid of the X-ray machine. When she gets back to the UK she learns about how to live with it and about the electromagnetic field pollution and noise around her and how this probably caused it and it impacts her health. She then asks him to go where he belongs She has the operation to get it removed and the djien even says something about Seeing a brain operation. Referring to hers? He leaves for three years then comes back which implys the tumor has returned. She even says he overstays his welcome and she has to beg him to leave - implying a battle with it. Food for thought

[@TheNerdDoc]

This gives more meaning to the idea that it's all taking place in her head. Then you have to wonder if her childhood friend was also the cancer, and if it wasn't, what was the meaning of that in relation to the rest of the film. Plus, you'd have to bring meaning to her wanting the Djinn to love her, and the relationship with her ex-husband.

[@rubioalvin]

Side note, I believe her name, Alatheia, in Greek means truth

[@KeturahTori]

The name Althea was Also the name an Black English Civil/Human rights Activist who would have popularized the name. During the 'period' of this piece. Makes sense the Jinn is black Amazon's original Small Axe tells The activists story. It's a Great story.

[@bigchichi]

Lol at first I thought the djin was real because the neighbours could see him, only realised after watching more than five times that the neighbours are not real. It's all in her head😂❤️❤️

[@jesusramos3426]

The lonelyness made her crazy enuff to have a imaginary friends and setting him free was her coming to her senses but now and then he comes back so she chooses to dream awake now and then

[@coreyano]

Right... He says he taught her "how to dream while awake"

[@Parzival224]

1:54 The roles are deliberately reversed, in fact on that throne there should be King Solomon surrounded by his 72 "demons" of the Shemhamphorash.

[@TheWaynos73]

My theory is that of the imaginary friend that keeps her from being too lonely - she admits that she has her life together but her heart truly desires more. I cant believe this movie flopped! Its an exceptional piece of work from master George Miller

[@TheNerdDoc]

In a post-pandemic theatrical world, most non-blockbusters have been flopping, or just doing average

[@popcornplaya83ify]

This made since 👍...still wondering who the wizard was wish they would explain that

[@TheNerdDoc]

The wizard at the lecture or King Solomon?

[@popcornplaya83ify]

@@TheNerdDoc that wizard that trapped him in the bottle

[@TheNerdDoc]

@@popcornplaya83ify That was King Solomon, the king of Israel.

[@whynot1548]

I wonder if she is the same woman reincarnated over and over again. From Sheba to the present. And the Djinn is destined to find her

[@TheNerdDoc]

That's definitely a possibility. If Sheba keeps coming back though, you'd have to think Solomon was coming back as well

[@Lochnivar]

I think the Djinn was affected by the X-ray, but only in the sense that it had an impact on the deception it had created, remember, all Djinn are tricksters. I think that the first little bald Djinn that tried to speak to her at the airport is more involved in the plot than it seems - or at least it seemed that way to me after the basement scene when the Djinn says he's sleeping and is turning to ash, because his voice changes and sounds like the little fella. I think the Djinn first tried to appeared to her at the airport, seeking someone to use their three wishes and release it from it's imprisonment, much like the calling out to the Prince, I think the Djinn was waiting for someone sensitive to it's voice, hence hanging around at an airport ready to find that special person and have them retrieve the bottle....but the first attempt went wrong, the Djinns first true appearance alarmed rather than encouraged her to listen to him, so he continued to call out to her, till she found the bottle and finally was freed by being a better story teller than her, having her fall in love, and ultimately achieving his machiavellian goal.

[@TheNerdDoc]

There's definitely something more to the little guy, but since we don't get much of him you have to make a lot of assumptions. I've seen some people say he was created by Solomon. It would be nice to get some clarification from the writer on that, but that's probably not going to happen lol

[@Lochnivar]

Yes, I had to make a lot of assumptions to get there. I always enjoy a film that has me googling or YouTubing to find theories, so kudos to the writer and screen writer, even if there are just happenstance. Great video, thanks! @@TheNerdDoc

[@bigchichi]

Man i found my people in this comment section 😂❤️❤️❤️

[@curvygirllalaflame]

i took the basement scene of him fading away to dust is him dying because she is not wishing. he said not wishing is also bad for him.

[@TheNerdDoc]

I can see that, but all of his previous masters went long periods without wishes and he was fine

[@curvygirllalaflame]

@@TheNerdDoc that makes sense

[@TimLee356]

ouch, what a hit to hoomans. this movie is genie-ous

[@Atouk]

Even as a 61-year-old man I liked this movie. Every movie has flaws which are required to be overlooked. I can't stand it when someone pumps a slide action shotgun after they've been pointing it at 20 people for 10 minutes, empty. When the plastic hull hits the floor, Hollywood believes it sounds like brass.

[@lucky2516]

I was waiting for the big reveal of her imagining the whole thing due to some kind of illness and was very annoyed when it didn't happen, at least not explicitly 😅

[@TheNerdDoc]

That could still be the case though lol

[@enginsimsek8780]

Aletheia means the truth. Truth reveals itself through love

[@lochthai]

Why didn't the person who picked the bottle up from the river get to make a wish? Why didn't the shop owner discover the genie?

[@DrKoko90]

Who was left pissed off at the fact that she forced him to love her. 😅

[@angkuyamo4160]

How everything start, how it ends

[@travisallgeier4207]

Honesty you drew out the intro i went to another one. Just advice

[@xxxxasiklou]

θα μπορουσαμε να πουμε οτι ειναι και απογονος του μιας και η τελευταια που τον ξεχασε περιμενε το παιδι του.Εξαλλου διαβαζαν με τον ιδιο τροπο τα βιβλια και κουνουσαν το ιδιο νευρικα το ποδι και οι δυο τους.

[@brendatajik6150]

I'm totally confused now!

[@TheNerdDoc]

Anything I can help explain? :)

[@abolfazl547]

I really didn't expect it to be a good movie, but I saw it at the suggestion of one of my friends and I really enjoyed it. There were flaws in the script and special effects, but this movie was my favorite movie. connected with the characters with his story. I'm really thankful to George Miller for making a fun movie after making his masterpieces. This movie was a fun and enjoyable entertainment for me and I learned a lesson from it

[@TheNerdDoc]

It was definitely unique, which was nice. It seems more and more people are watching it now that it's been out for a bit, which is good

[@derodomtommy3716]

the Djinn is God Fearing so there is probably some comment on the secular nature of Britain as opposed to the islamic Turkey.

[@betinabinah1825]

I didn't have a problem understanding the movie however, what I couldn't comprehend throughout the whole movie it was pissing me off with how is it possible that in the room that this woman was staying that there was an extra extra large robe for him? As far as the movie goes I thought it was absolutely amazing!!!!!!! Oh yeah one more thing how come his chin was red but when he started making love with her it became grey?

[@MaxHarden]

Last two wishes pissed me off

[@evee.2546]

No theorizing here. I loved the movie. I wishedvidcresd the short story before seeing the movie it but plan to do so.

[@mrp8811]

it is about trying to get home.

[@wildcard2741]

I think it's a good premise but the whole movie is done in a way that doesn't make sense and it really took away from that. Also some of the special effects where odd and looked weird!

[@Monster-Abee]

It was all lies from the djinn. It's what they do. He faked dying and told her he was asleep to pretend he was hiding it for her wellbeing but it was to get her to use another wish. He had no problem in Turkey. He got impatient because Alithea was too much hard work for him and not easily fooled. The movie was great because it got the viewers to care about him but we shouldn't have. He was a trickster.😂

[@TheNerdDoc]

I can see that viewpoint, but then why did he continue to come back after being released?

[@terryr.1243]

One of the reason I have trouble with movies IS the contradiction between different audience interpretations. I mean at the Cannes Film Festival, I read how the film received several minutes of a standing ovation. Then I later read how this movie was considered a box-office bomb (only grossing $16+ million over a $60 million budget). I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS MOVIE (!!!); IT'S A FAIRY-TALE FOR ADULTS AND WAITED LITERALLY FOREVER FOR THE DISC WHEN I MISSED IT IN THEATERS (I was extremely heartbroken when I couldn't find a matinee that complied to my personal schedule.); I FINALLY SAW IT ON CABLE TV AND STOPPED LITERALLY EVERYTHING THAT NIGHT TO WATCH IT (LIKE I DID WITH THE "RED VIOLIN") I'M GETTING THE DISC (VIDEO) TO WATCH ENDLESSLY OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN LIKE I DO WITH "MALEFICENT" & "MALEFICENT II", "SKY CAPTAIN..." AND "CINDERELLA"!!!

[@laughterric]

Not me still being confused about this film 😂😂

[@TheNerdDoc]

It happens, especially with movies like this. 😅 Anything specific you're confused about?

[@thomaswayne1852]

Nah, man. She played the Djinn for a book deal ^^

[@TheNerdDoc]

🤔🤔🤔

[@thomaswayne1852]

@@TheNerdDoc a joke, brother. cheer up ^^

[@kristoferirsten1710]

Her last wish was that he return to where he belong. So that is what he does, he keeps on returning to her

[@TheNerdDoc]

Oh I like that interpretation!

[@Ashbrash1998]

I liked the movie, but I wish they had explained some parts a little better or cut it out. I would like to see a director's cut or something. I didn't understand how Althea's visions or imagination were important. Like if they did it to draw her to the djinn and where he was i could get it. Like her love of stories and her strong imagination made him able to lure her. If they had dug a bit more into Althea and her inner conflicts a bit more than it would have been perfect.

[@TheNerdDoc]

I think they left it vague because they didn't want to explain it. I think Miller wanted a bit of ambiguity in the film, although it may have been too much

[@deeptimayroutray6675]

Off course England is more poluted with electromagnetic waves. The fact that UK ranks as the fourth most 6G-ready country and Turkey still doesn't have 6G as I write this comment. 6G which can mess up with birds navigation system also. And number of active electronic devices are far higher in UK and not mension number of figlts and active satalites looking over UK is also much higher. It's a no brainer.

[@jesusramos3426]

It was not confusing at all

[@jusrarsh4109]

Good film, but the main red hair lady dragged it. All she had to do was make 3 solid wishes, but she makes the Djinn tell 8 different stories instead… LOL … so stupid…

[@jennisejones3361]

The 12 year old being used throws me off

[@semosemo9801]

For me the story of Alathia and the Jen just boring and the other stories are more interesting and I want more of Zefir story and what happened to her and her child

[@TheNerdDoc]

It definitely felt like two different movies that didn't work together very well

[@semosemo9801]

@@TheNerdDoc Yeah we have the magical Fantasy one that people want more and the normal romance one that just boring