Releasing in cinemas on Wednesday, "Les Enfants Rouges" is a Tunisian drama that intricately weaves elements of realism and surrealism against the backdrop of violence and resilience.

The film opens with a harrowing scene in which two teenagers tending to their flock in the mountains experience a shocking attack.

Sixteen-year-old Nizar, portrayed by Yassine Samouni, is killed, while his fourteen-year-old companion Achraf, played by Ali Helali, embarks on a painful journey to deliver a message to his family.

Inspired by true events, the film confronts the devastating realities of terrorism and its psychological effects on the young characters.

The initial realism quickly transitions into a more dream-like narrative, occasionally bordering on the fantastical, as it delves into the emotional trauma faced by Achraf as he witnesses the death of his friend.

Director Lotfi Achour skillfully portrays a generation marked by violence and deprived of freedom.

The return to the site of Nizar’s death forms the crux of Achraf's journey, creating a poignant atmosphere as he grapples with loss and engages in a dialogue with his deceased friend.

The film's mountainous setting, rather than symbolizing escape, serves as an impenetrable barrier, and the forests become labyrinthine spaces that distort perceptions of reality.

"Les Enfants Rouges" captures the essence of endurance required to navigate a hostile environment.

The film, running for 1 hour and 45 minutes, features notable performances from a cast that includes Wided Dadebi and Yassine Samouni, offering a thoughtful exploration of the struggles faced by today's youth amidst ongoing threats.