Fatma Mohamed handles Peter Strickland’s elaborate dialogue and changes of tone with an assurance we value. His films are an acquired taste; her ability to make their eccentric characters worth watching is a good reason to try them.
Fi1m perspective
Fatma Mohamed can switch languages within a scene and keep pace as its tone changes. She handles elaborate dialogue and demanding physical work with the same assurance. We like the seriousness she brings to eccentric characters, giving their peculiar behaviour proper attention. That makes her a valuable performer for Peter Strickland, whose films ask for rather more than a reassuringly natural conversation.
Her small part as Wife in Katalin Varga (2009) began that partnership; Silvia in Berberian Sound Studio (2012) gave her more to do opposite Toby Jones. We found the manufacture of horror effects in the latter unsettling even when it was funny. Her part is an early example of the tonal flexibility that makes the collaboration worth following. The film’s plotting grows thin, however, and our enthusiasm for the partnership is no reason to overlook that.
As the Carpenter in The Duke of Burgundy (2015), she appears in a tender, dryly funny romance about the effort of fulfilling a lover’s fantasies. Sidse Babett Knudsen makes that effort moving; Mohamed’s contribution remains a supporting one. We recommend it warmly, with a warning about the repeated rituals, which sometimes try our patience as well as Knudsen’s character’s.
In Fabric (2018) gives her Miss Luckmoore, another supporting part, before Flux Gourmet (2022) places her in the lead as Elle di Elle. The actor who began with a small part in Katalin Varga is eventually asked to carry a Strickland feature. It is a substantial increase in responsibility, and a sensible use of someone comfortable with difficult dialogue, physical demands and sudden changes of tone.
The caveat concerns the films themselves: Strickland’s eccentricity will not suit everyone. Mohamed is a reason to give it a chance, though not a promise that it will become easier to take. Start with The Duke of Burgundy if the romance appeals; seek out her larger parts if the peculiarities do too.
Biography
Fatma Mohamed is a Romanian actress. She was born on 4 September 1975 in Cluj-Napoca and grew up in Cluj. She trained in acting at the Faculty of Theatre and Television in Cluj and holds a degree in physical education and sport, with studies in choreography and dance. She has worked in theatre at Teatrul Andrei Mureșanu in Sfântu Gheorghe.
Mohamed is known for her frequent collaborations with director Peter Strickland, appearing in all five of his feature films: Katalin Varga (2009), Berberian Sound Studio (2012), The Duke of Burgundy (2014), In Fabric (2018) and Flux Gourmet (2022). Her other credits include The Field Guide to Evil (2018). She was nominated for a best supporting actress award by the International Cinephile Society for her role in In Fabric.
