It’s a version of Aladdin with an unlikely romantic twist.
Alithea is a narratologist on a trip to Istanbul when she finds interest in a peculiar bottle at a local swap market. In cleaning it up she finds more than she bargained for when the Djinn appears to offer her three wishes. In a story about stories that Djinn tells in an effort to help Alithea use her wishes, more is found as to what her true heart’s desire really longs for.
At an hour forty nine minutes, Three Thousand Years of Longing is a surprisingly entertaining love story about two lonely souls who find there is more to life than just in the books. Tilda Swinton plays Alithea in a way that truly captures the feel of love at first sight though she tries to hide it in her scholarly studies even after she finds Djinn (Idris Elba).
Additionally, this is a slightly different role for Elba who is known for playing a ” tough guy” role in other movies including Sonic 2 and Hobbs and Shaw. Here we see a softer more compassionate side especially as he is telling stories of past people’s wishes.
The chemistry between Elba and Swinton is one that is surprisingly charming and a bit arousing, given the R rating. That being said, while it is an entertaining movie, viewer discretion is strongly advised. Three Thousand Years of Longing came out in theaters August 26, 2022 and is currently playing in one near you.