Review of Incendies (2010) by Daniel B — 19 May 2012

Wow, did not expect this to be so good! Dark, broody, disturbing, but with fantastic direction and amazing performances, paced relatively slow and yet never a moment when I wasn't gripped on the story. Based on the play Scorched by Wajdi Mouawad, Incendies follows a non-linear plot that spans two generations. In present time we meet Jeanne and Simon who are twins who have recently lost their mother Nawal. Nawal says in her will that Jeanne and Simon must return an envelope to the brother they didn't know existed who is currently living in a Middle Eastern country. Only then can the twins give Nawal a proper burial. Jeanne feels obligated to return the letter, so she goes to the Middle East, only to realize some of Nawal's nastiest secrets. The viewer is given Nawals story alongside her daughters discoveries. The format works fantastically and even though the film jumps around alot it is easy enough to follow assuming you are concentrating.

This will emotionally drain you but it will leave you thinking about life and it's many complexities afterwards. It's a film that makes an impact and leaves me wanting to talk with other people who have seen it. The cinematography is perfect and Denis Villeneuve should be applauded, I will now be looking into watching some of his other films.