Incendies Review

Incendies is an ambitious Canadian Quebec-made film with major aspirations that tries to do a lot, and for the most part it is an admirable success. Adapted from “Scorched”, a 2005 play written by Lebanese-born Wajdi Mouawad, the French language film is the complicated and intricate story of two twins living in Canada who receive some shocking news in their recently deceased mother’s will. The twins, Jeanne and Simon, are surprised to find out that their father, unbeknownst to them, is still alive, and that they have an older brother still living somewhere in their mother’s country of origin, Lebanon.

One of the twins, Jeanne, is determined to unravel the secrets of her family history, and Simon, desperate to rid himself of his mother’s past and move on with his life, wants nothing to do with it. We experience most of the movie through Jeanne in the present and her mother Nawal in lengthy flashbacks during the 1970s, and it is through their eyes that we witness the terrible bitterness and hatred that swallowed up Lebanon. To those unfamiliar with the violent history of war torn Lebanon, the movie recounts the evils perpetrated there by both the Muslim and Christian sides. As the movie progresses, one begins to understand the terrible events that transpired in that country, the sacrifices people made, and how even something as important as the bond between family can be tragically lost and twisted. The movie is unflinchingly violent and graphic at times, and events that transpire will shock some people, but it is in these moments that one can witness the irrational and inexplicable things war does to a country, and understand how love and family is the important link that transcends it.

The low profile cast and director would be completely unknown to people accustomed to Hollywood movies, and their work here is exceptional. Never once do you doubt the integrity of the movie and never once does director Denis Villeneuve lose focus on the driving force of the narrative in this film, and Incendies is a more powerful experience because of it. Its roots as a play are very apparent here, and the movie wouldn’t be quite as effective and challenging without the great performances of the actors. Lubna Azabal plays the part of Nawal Marwan and she has the most demanding role in this movie. Her experience as a young Christian woman in a country swallowed up by Muslim-Christian hatred and violence, where reprisal killings of men, women, and children were common and people on both sides were shockingly unremorseful and merciless, shows the divide in that country that continues to prevail to this day.

The movie has an unusual but low key soundtrack that includes a number of songs by Radiohead, and their unique brand of music works well in this movie. “You and Whose Army” and “Like Spinning Plates” are utilized exceptionally well and the harrowing music instantly puts you in the setting and mood of this movie. The film has a runtime of 130 minutes and its theatrical origins are noticeable as its slow pacing makes the viewing experience a little cumbersome at times but besides that, Incendies is well told and a number of key scenes keep the narrative flowing and strong. Incendies may meet criticism from some circles for what they may consider a shallow and contrived melodramatic attempt to tell the story of Lebanon through the story of the Marwan family.  The key difference however, is that this story is not sensationalized in any way and things that occur in this movie have happened and could very possibly have happened in many war torn countries. Authenticity is paramount here, and the fact that it was written by someone of Lebanese origin gives credence to this, and there is clearly a great deal of personal pain and anguish in this story. Incendies is ultimately a tale of secrets, suffering, family and how the truth should never be buried or concealed. Hopefully, its nomination for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language film will give this impressive movie the exposure and attention it deserves.

A-

Trailer:

Movie info:

Runtime: 130 minutes

MPAA rating: R

Cast: Lubna Azabal, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Remy Girard, Abdelghafour Elaziz

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Screenplay: Denis Villeneuve, Wajdi Mouawad

Cinematography: Andre Turpin

Distributed by: E1 Films Canada