Between Both

Between Both examines the deeply personal and often painful realities of polygamy through the intertwining stories of Faisal and Amal. The film explores love, betrayal, and control, revealing the societal expectations and emotional toll behind these relationships. Interwoven with real testimonials, the narrative presents a raw and unfiltered look at the complexities of polygamy in Saudi Arabia.

Faisal’s journey begins with a traditional marriage at 21 to Wafaa, a 17-year-old chosen by his family. What starts as a union built on religious and cultural ideals crumbles under Faisal’s growing discontent. As he struggles with faith, cultural expectations, and his own desires, he turns to another woman—a free-spirited atheist who awakens something in him. But polygamy proves far more complicated than he imagined. Juggling two wives and five children, Faisal finds himself drowning in financial strain and emotional chaos. In the end, he divorces his second wife, finding admiration and loyalty in Wafaa but forever disillusioned by the idea of love within marriage.

Amal, a 29-year-old divorcée with a young son, believes she’s found a second chance at love with Yassir, a married man twenty years her senior. Yassir promises her a future, but their marriage quickly turns into a nightmare. His first wife’s constant demands and threats consume Amal’s life, while Yassir’s lies and control strip her of independence. Abused, neglected, and left to navigate life alone, Amal discovers that she isn’t even Yassir’s second wife, but his third. After eleven years of suffering, she finally breaks free, reclaiming her life and her identity in her forties.

Real testimonials interspersed throughout the film add depth and perspective, showcasing the voices of advocates, critics, and those directly affected by this practice. The result is a poignant and multifaceted exploration of a deeply rooted tradition in Saudi Arabia, its complexities, and the human cost.