Mina works the front counter of a
caftan shop in the
medina of
Salé, Morocco. Halim, her husband is a maalem (master artisan) tailor and works in the back room while he mentors their young apprentice Youssef. The two men are laboring on Halim’s masterpiece project, a blue caftan. The married couple share an affectionate and loving relationship, but head-strong Mina is aware of her meek husband’s same-sex predilection and keeps a wary and hostile eye on Youssef. Meanwhile, Halim frequents a
hammam (same-sex bathhouse) where he engages in clandestine sexual activities. Mina becomes ill from an underlying terminal disease and stops working. Alone at the store, Youssef professes his love for Halim and is rebuffed. As Mina’s condition worsens, Halim works from home to care for her while Youssef takes charge of the business. As he shuttles between the home and the shop, Mina begins to appreciate Youssef and they form a bond. Shortly before her death, Mina gives her tacit approval for Halim to pursue a loving relationship with Youssef. After she dies, Halim wraps her in the blue caftan, which he has finished at home, and he and Youssef carry her
bier, alone, to the cemetery. ==Cast==