Incendies
Director: Denis Villeneuve
Actors: Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette
PlotAfter the death of their mother, Nawal Marwan, twins Jeanne and Simon Marwan are summoned by notary Jean Lebel to hear her will. She leaves them with two letters: one to be delivered to their father, believed to be dead, and another to a brother they never knew existed. Shocked and confused by their mother's last requests, Jeanne decides to travel to the Middle East to uncover the truth about her family’s mysterious past. Simon is initially reluctant but eventually joins his sister on her journey. Jeanne's search takes her to the war-torn region where she pieces together harrowing details about Nawal's life, revealing a history marked by violence, resilience, and indomitable spirit.
As Jeanne delves deeper into their mother's past, she uncovers the brutal events Nawal endured during a civil conflict, highlighting her time as a political activist and prisoner. The narrative unfolds in a series of flashbacks that parallel Jeanne's investigation with Nawal's experiences, painting a vivid picture of her struggle and determination. As the siblings follow Nawal's trail, they come across individuals who provide crucial insights into their mother’s actions and sacrifices. The journey ultimately forces Jeanne and Simon to confront the hidden facets of their heritage, testing their understanding of identity, family, and the enduring impact of secrets.
Writers: Denis Villeneuve, Wajdi Mouawad, Valérie Beaugrand-Champagne
Release Date: 12 Jan 2011
Runtime: 131 min
Rating: R
Country: Canada, France
Language: French, Arabic, English
Home Video Reviews
Incendies is a brutal yet beautiful masterpiece with exceptional audio and video but limited bonuses, making it a highly recommended Blu-ray release.
Read our review of Incendies Blu-ray to find out more