Zain’s family ekes out a subsistence existence in the streets of Beirut while living in substandard  housing provided by their landlord Aspro, a shop owner.

Their refugee status makes their lives exceptionally difficult because they are unable to get identity cards which, in turn, means they can’t get legitimate employment for a reasonable salary and their children cannot go to school.

Zain is an incredibly resourceful 12-year-old.

He has developed a tough exterior and does not take anything from anyone, and he tells them in no uncertain terms laden with expletives in the bargain.

The harshness of his life is underscored by his inability to smile. He forever goes about his business with a frown etched into his forehead and a scowl on his face. 

He cannot let down his guard because there are too many people in the streets trying to exploit him, his sister and family.  

His ragged existence is defined by his imprisonment for a violent crime, and ins suing his parents for being born.

The courtroom drama detailing these events allow director Nadine Labaki to introduce  Zain, his sister Sahar, parents Selim and Souad, as well as Cockroach Man and, most importantly, the Ethiopian woman, Rahil, and her child, Yonas, who become Zain’s surrogate family after a serious misfortune within Zain’s family.

Rahil has likewise been displaced from her home and leads a severe life.

People like their landlord Aspro and shopkeeper Assaad appear to be supportive and considerate but their intentions are anything but noble. They exploit all refugees in exchange for forged identity papers. Behind their façade of kindness lurk sinister intentions.

Movies provide us with an opportunity to escape the daily grind of our own reality but you will be pressed to  find circumstances that challenge a person’s own harsh life more than that of Zain and his family.

The harrowing nature of the viewing experience is offset by a story that works at a fictional level, yet captures the rawness of life lived by people who are barely recognised as having any human rights.

It reflects real-life issues surrounding people who question why they were born into this misery.

It may be too grim and uncompromising for some viewers. But every once in a while we should be challenged by films that reach beyond the complacency of our lives to show people living on the periphery of what it means to be human.