IndieWire by Sophie Monks Kaufman

Banel & Adama is a striking debut that puts Sy on the map as a purveyor of deceptively gorgeous visions that show flimsy desires at the mercy of the social, and literal, weather.

TheWrap by Steve Pond

At an hour and 27 minutes, the film has the feel of an exquisite miniature, succinct and evocative.

Time Out by Phil de Semlyen

From sombre Islamic prayers to café-touba-fuelled socialising, Banel & Adama is stitched beautifully together from the fabric of rural Senegalese traditions.

The Irish Times by Tara Brady

Every beautiful frame casts a spell.

RogerEbert.com by Glenn Kenny

The directorial debut of French-Senegalese filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy, this is one of those pictures to which the phrase “every frame a painting” might apply.

Little White Lies by Fatima Sheriff

While beautiful, the impression left by Banel & Adama is confusing.

Variety by Jessica Kiang

Sy’s film is a curious little fable, not quite fully formed in its final stages, and occasionally so sedate and opaque, under Bachar Mar-Khalifé’s melodic, piano-forward score, that it feels like it is drowsing. But it’s a striking debut nonetheless, especially as it revolves, with graceful poetry around the inner experiences of such a curious, unknowable woman.

Screen Daily by Wendy Ide

This sparse, atmospheric fable grows markedly in power in the second half, as Banel’s passion takes on an edge of violence and insanity.

The Hollywood Reporter by Lovia Gyarkye

With Banel & Adama, Ramata-Toulaye Sy has conjured a stunning world in need of a sharper story.

The New York Times by Manohla Dargis

As Sy continues obliquely gesturing at meaning, you remain engaged but also find yourself wishing that all these many desperate pieces fit together more coherently.