Ramy
Review by Abbi North
The short: A young Egyptian-American navigates being a millennial while exploring his Muslim faith.
The long: This mini-series follows a first-generation American Muslim and his family in a neighborhood in New Jersey. Through witty anecdotes, it traces the storylines of a collection of (primarily Arab) characters through hurdles related to gender, age, sexuality, disability, and spirituality. Specifically, it highlights the conquests of Ramy, who cannot seem to find a moral compass compatible with the expectations of his immigrant parents, imam, and love interests.
To watch or not to watch: Watch! Beyond its endearing comedic energy and incredibly talented cast, Ramy is a crucial pioneer in shaping new narratives of Arab families in the US post 9/11. It is also a fascinating and intimate exploration of Sufism, a mystic sector of Islam.