Call it ‘Heated Photography’.
Directed by Anita Doron, Maya & Samar tells the story of Maya (Nicolette Pearse), a rising journalist for an indie website who travels to visit one of her dear friends in the hot summer of Greece. Maya is an independent woman who believes strongly in her sexual liberation. And she is instantly drawn to Samar (Amanda Babaei Vieira), an Afghan woman who dances with abandon. As the two begin a torrid affair, it becomes increasingly apparent that their relationship has the potential to endanger Samar’s life. At the same time though, the opportunity to share her story could propel Maya to instant online fame, forcing her to learn the tension between cultural truths.
From the outset, the relationship between stars Babaei Vieira and Pearse is palpable. When they look at one another, their eyes burn with heat. With a willingness to feel present with one another, even the most intimate scenes between the two performers feel believable. And it’s that smoldering fire that keeps the film moving, even in moments when the dialogue becomes more static.
Having said this, it’s important to note that Maya & Samar is not shy about its sexuality. Featuring multiple graphic scenes of nudity and sexual pleasure, Doron’s world is more than willing to push boundaries for the sake of its characters. (The opening shot alone is ‘blush-worthy’, especially when seen in theatres.)
Yet, that’s also very much the point.
In Maya & Samar, sex is a political act. Within every expression of their primal urges, Maya and Samar’s relationship becomes embedded with notions of empowerment and resistance to social pressures. While these women are already ‘free spirits’ when we first meet them, they recognize that their ability to express their lust for one another also means liberty. (“Maybe stripping can be an act of rebellion,” Maya wonders.)
But part of that form of resistance also attempts to upend a sense of ‘Western superiority’. For instance, as a photographer, Maya is one who insists that she get out ‘the truth’. Although she lives her life uninhibited sexually, her days as a writer are driven by her belief in justice.
And, Samar’s situation inspires Maya to become even more involved with her work.
Nevertheless, without giving any spoilers, her passion for Samar is likely clouding her judgment. (“Are you often this interested in your stories?,” she’s asked, pointedly.) Even so, she pushes forward with a determination to fight for her lover’s freedom with blinders, assuming she understands what’s right in Samar’s situation. On the one hand, there’s courage in her determination to fight for women’s rights.
But, on the other, there’s also a sense that, maybe, she doesn’t fully understand the realities of Samar’s personal journey. Having grown up in the West, Maya has a strong sensibility of what’s ‘right and wrong’. However, she also doesn’t realize the complexities of Samar’s life in Afghanistan. For Maya, these blinders can be a barrier for her as she fights furiously for Samar’s freedom… whether or not she’s doing it in the right way is up for debate.
In essence, her quest for truth becomes a problem when she’s not sure what truth really means.
While there are admittedly moments where Maya & Samar stumbles, the intensity of their romance is what keeps the film alive. While many will focus on the film’s sexuality, Pearse and Babaei Vieira bear more than their skin. There’s a presence between them that creates depth beyond the passion, suggesting that their desire for freedom is even greater than their desire for one another.
Maya & Samar is available in theatres on Friday, March 20th, 2026.
