'Four Daughters' | What it's about and is the docudrama worth watching

The film takes a novel approach in that two actresses are brought in to play Olfa's missing daughters

PUBLISHED DEC 19, 2023

The poster for Tunisian-European docudrama 'Four Daughters'

Please note that while this article focuses on basic information on the docudrama, it may contain facts in the public domain that could spoil the viewing pleasure for some.

Docudrama name: Four Daughters

Platform: VoD

Country of origin: Tunisia, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia

Date of General Release: July 5, 2023

Genre: Docudrama

Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes

What is the plot of 'Four Daughters'?

'Four Daughters' is a docudrama centered on Tunisian mother Olfa Hamrouni, whose story made global headlines after her two oldest daughters (both teens) -- Rahma and Ghofrane Chikhaoui -- left Tunisia to join the Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in Libya. The docudrama follows Olfa's battle with the Tunisian authorities to get her daughters back after their arrest in Libya. The film takes a novel approach in that two actresses are brought in to play Olfa's missing daughters in what turns out to be an interesting take on the docudrama genre.

Where are Olfa Hamrouni's daughters Rahma and Ghofrane now?

To the best information we could glean, both Rahma and Ghofrane are still in a Libyan prison where they have been since 2016. Ghofrane has a daughter who lives with her in prison.

'Four Daughters' cast

While ostensibly a documentary the use of two actresses to play Olfa's daughters Rahma and Ghofrane turns into a fact-fiction mash-up that only serves to elevate the content. Rahma is played by Nour Karoui while Ichrak Matar plays Ghofrane, both Tunisian actresses.

Nour Karoui (right) plays Rahma while Ichrak Matar plays Ghofrane in 'Four Daughters'

Who directed 'Four Daughters'?

'Four Daughters' is directed by the exceptional Kaouther Ben Hania who stormed the world stage with the outstanding 2020 movie 'The Man Who Sold His Skin' which was nominated for an Oscar in the 'Best International Film' category.

Kaouther Ben Hania at the Carthage Film Festival 2018 (Pic credit: Houssem Abida)

Is 'Four Daughters' worth watching?

The subject matter and the directorial class make it an emphatic yes. Gripping and poignant, but always heartbreaking, 'Four Daughters' is one of the better docudramas you will see this year.

MEAWW Watch ranking

4 out of 5