Burnout (2017)
A raw Moroccan drama where chance encounters unravel lives, expose hidden desires, and force every character to confront who they truly are.
Burnout - Movie Information
- Original Title: بورن أوت
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Nour-Eddine Lakhmari
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: Arabic
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, French
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 11, 2017 (MA)
- Production Companies: Nelfilms
- Production Countries: Morocco
Burnout - Plot
BurnOut is a film about the grinding down of hope by the contradictory values and morals of Moroccan society and how a mere chance encounter can throw everything that is taken for granted as normal and correct into question once one has glimpsed the possibility of the love and companionship that lies just beyond the walls of the Moroccan society. A shoe shiner Ayoub, a bourgeois couple, Jad and Ines in a loveless marriage, a wealthy but ailing art collector, and a young medical student Aida moonlighting as an escort, each interaction forever changing them and setting them on an irreversible trajectory towards catharsis or total collapse.
Burnout - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Burnout come to life:
Where to Watch Burnout
Looking for where to watch Burnout?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Burnout - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Nour-Eddine Lakhmari
Main Cast
- Sarah Perles
- Morjana Alaoui
- Anas El Baz
- Mohamed Khiari
- Ilyas El Jihani
- Driss Roukhe
- Karim Saidi
- Fatima ezzahra El Jaouhari
- Saadia Ladib
- Badr Bouhaih
Writers
- Attila Veres
- Nour-Eddine Lakhmari
Producers
- Nour-Eddine Lakhmari
- Egil Ødegård
Burnout - FAQs
What is Burnout about?
Burnout follows several intertwined characters in Morocco — a street shoe shiner, a wealthy couple in a loveless marriage, an ailing art collector, and a medical student working as an escort. Their chance encounters unravel the contradictions of Moroccan society, pushing each toward either catharsis or collapse.
Does Burnout have a happy ending?
Burnout doesn’t offer easy resolutions. Each character is pushed to a turning point — some find a form of liberation, others face devastating consequences. Director Nour-Eddine Lakhmari keeps the tone unflinching, letting the story arrive at an emotionally honest rather than comforting conclusion.
What themes does Burnout explore?
The film digs into class inequality, repressed desire, moral hypocrisy, and the suffocating weight of social expectations in contemporary Morocco. At its core, it’s about what happens when people catch a glimpse of a life — or a love — they’ve been conditioned to believe is out of reach.
Who are the main actors in Burnout?
The cast is led by Sarah Perles as Aida, a medical student moonlighting as an escort, and Morjana Alaoui as Ines, trapped in a loveless bourgeois marriage. Anas El Baz plays her husband Jad, while Ilyas El Jihani brings warmth and vulnerability to Ayoub, the young shoe shiner.
Where can you watch Burnout online?
You can check current streaming and rental options for Burnout on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so it’s worth checking for the most up-to-date viewing options.
Who directed Burnout and what else has he made?
Burnout was directed by Nour-Eddine Lakhmari, one of Morocco’s most acclaimed filmmakers. He’s best known for Casanegra (2008), a landmark of Moroccan cinema that became a massive cultural phenomenon. Burnout continues his exploration of urban Moroccan life, social tension, and deeply human stories.
Is Burnout based on a true story?
Burnout is not based on a specific true story. It’s an original drama co-written by Nour-Eddine Lakhmari and Attila Veres. However, the film draws heavily from the social realities of contemporary Morocco, giving its characters and situations a grounded, authentic feel that resonates as deeply truthful.
What are some films similar to Burnout?
If Burnout resonated with you, films like Origin (2023), Holy Lands (2019), and Bastard Out of Carolina (1996) explore similarly raw, character-driven stories about identity, class, and moral reckoning. Come Sunday (2018) and Skin (2009) also share that unflinching look at lives shaped by social and cultural pressure.
More About Burnout
Explore further details about Burnout on these trusted film databases.