I Can't Think Straight (2008)

13% of critics liked it
(31 reviews)
58% of users liked it
(36,262 ratings)

Shamim Sarif's autobiographical novel serves as the inspiration for this film directed by the author, and concerning two women from deeply diverse backgrounds who discover that the love between them is too powerful to deny. Tala (Lisa Ray) is a London-based Jordanian of Palestinian descent. She's a… More Shamim Sarif's autobiographical novel serves as the inspiration for this film directed by the author, and concerning two women from deeply diverse backgrounds who discover that the love between them is too powerful to deny. Tala (Lisa Ray) is a London-based Jordanian of Palestinian descent. She's a spirited Christian in the midst of planning her wedding to her handsome Jordanian fiancé. Leyla (Sheetal Sheth) is a shy Muslim who's currently dating Leyla's best friend, Ali. Brought together by chance, Tala and Leyla form a slow bond that grows deeper with every minute they spend together. Eventually, the two girls reveal their true feelings to one another, and realize that they have fallen in love. But Tala is bound by her cultural heritage, and books a flight back to Jordan as Leyla's wedding date draws near. Back in London, a heartbroken Leyla decides to be honest with herself and her family by coming clean about her feelings for Tala. Inspired by Leyla's fearless commitment to Tala, Leyla's sister and Ali make it their mission to reunite the two girls. But before Tala can be truly happy with Leyla, she must first define for herself what true love really means. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Shamim Sarif
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Jun 1, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Feb 9, 2010
Studio: Regent Releasing/here! Films

Critic Reviews

Susan Walker, Toronto Star
Buildings and their interiors fare a lot better in this sumptuously lensed and set-designed film. That's because they don't have to talk or act.
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
Plugging the same two actresses into different Sapphic scenarios may be a valid filmmaking strategy but it can be an extremely boring one.
, New York Post
Hw do they tell their boyfriends and parents that they're gay? Conventionally, that's how.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
In exploring the eternal conflict between love and duty in a fresh, provocative way, Sarif demonstrates that she is a filmmaker of exceptional promise.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
Although she has made two films in rapid succession, Sarif shows no discernible aptitude for her new medium.
Jim Ridley, Village Voice
Every image seems to have been Scotchgarded.
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
If the plot is cheese, it never rises above the level of a Dairylea triangle
Edward Porter, Sunday Times (UK)
She is still some way short of making a movie that deserves a ticket-buying audience.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
Both films are politically daring as well as what used to be called risque. Neither, I'm afraid, is well directed or acted.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
The director struggles to inject much energy or spark into the story. Which is frustrating for a premise with this much potential.
Jon Williams, Little White Lies
It's such a mish-mash of terrible ideas next to sincere and affecting themes that it never really works and repeatedly sabotages any recommendation.
Sarah Cohen, Time Out
From the wince-inducing title onwards, the script is laughably bad, especially when it attempts seriousnes.
Holly Grigg-Spall, Film4
A should-have-been straight-to-DVD film that ticks enough boxes to make its cinema release an example of affirmative action.
Wendy Ide, Times [UK]
I Can't Think Straight, a glossy contemporary cross-cultural romance between a Palestinian Christian girl and an Anglo-Indian Muslim girl, is spectacularly dreadful.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
Frankly this looks more like Dynasty, with some very broad, soapy acting, coy sex scenes and some airily conspicuous wealth.
Tim Evans, Sky Movies
This one's got it's heart in the right place...but little else to recommend it.
Josh Winning, Total Film
Deep stuff, then, but imbued with all the weight of a prawn cracker. Its explosive coming-out scene can't compensate for car crash acting. Sadly, great sounding drivel is still drivel.
, Sun Online
Writer-director Shamim Sarif can't seem to make up her mind whether she is making a comedy or a serious point about Muslim attitudes to lesbianism. And so she ends up with a fluffy mess.
Allan Hunter, Daily Express
Lisa Ray provides the one spark of life in an otherwise drab, graceless production that appears to be set in the Eighties and has the feel of a bad Jilly Cooper novel.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
This lesbian love story is never less than watchable, thanks to a captivating central performance by Lisa Ray, though the script and direction leave a lot to be desired.

Read all 23 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Leo L

A fascinating movie that centralizes on the companionship and budding romance between two women. Tala and Leyla are first introduced to each other during a visit, and the two instantly connect. They begin spending more time together, and attraction motivates these two when they… More
A fascinating movie that centralizes on the companionship and budding romance between two women. Tala and Leyla are first introduced to each other during a visit, and the two instantly connect. They begin spending more time together, and attraction motivates these two when they decide to take a trip together where the two fall in love. Although Tala is engaged, and will soon marry Hani. Leyla is dating Tala's friend Ali, and hopes to become a writer someday. Despite these differences, Leyla admits her love and Tala is indecisive about what path in life to follow. With the help of loved ones, the two find their way to each other. Great cast- Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth, Antonia Frering, Dalip Tahil, Nina Wadia, Ernest Ignatius, Amber Rose Revah, Siddiqua Akhtar, and Anya Lahiri. Worthy!
Ina S

Funny, heartwarming and downright sexy. Yes, technically this would probably not entirely deserve 5 stars (the dialogue seemed a bit forced at times, the low budget shone through very occasionally), but I had so much fun, I loved the chemistry between the actresses and this was more… More
Funny, heartwarming and downright sexy. Yes, technically this would probably not entirely deserve 5 stars (the dialogue seemed a bit forced at times, the low budget shone through very occasionally), but I had so much fun, I loved the chemistry between the actresses and this was more than just a romantic comedy. The humour is clever, the romance believable and the characters are lovable and well-rounded. And, to come to my most valid argument: This is hands down the lesbian romantic comedy with the hottest couple. A brief moment where Nala stands on top of a staircase in heels and looks at Leyla prompted spontaneous gasps from the almost exclusively female audience. You will know which moment I mean... Hot, funny, endearing film.