Incendies (2010)

Incendies (2010) - (Canada)

Co-written and directed by Denis Villeneuve

*SPOILER FREE

What's one plus one, what's yin plus yang, does it make one?

Incendies is a mystery drama following twins Jeanne and Simon, son and daughter to an Arab immigrant to Canada, as they attempt to unravel the mystery of their mother's life and fulfill her last wishes that send on a journey to the Middle East in pursuit of their tangled roots and a long-lost brother.

This is a tale of a family, a tragedy of the human experience. This is a story of love and hatred, life and death, the east and the west, peace and war, this is the cinema of one plus one.

Denis Villeneuve, whose cinema defines the 2010s, adapts this masterpiece from the play of the same name by Lebanese-Canadian playwright Wajdi Mouawad, a compelling study of the human condition, family trauma, war, and one of the most horrifying plot twists in the history of storytelling.

Shot on location in Montreal, Canada and Amman, Jordan, and coasted both eastern and western actors for contract and historical accuracy. Villeneuve also used notable soundtrack that's integral to the film, especially the opening number "You and Whose Army?" by Radiohead that was written into the script and turned out to be one of the most powerful use music in film.

The story and the captivating non-linear narrative take hold of you as a viewer from the very beginning to long after it's ended. Not only observing the main characters, but feeling for them and experiencing what they're experiencing.

I remember watching this for the first (and only) time about 5 years ago, this cinematic experience still echos in my heart today. Converting theater into cinema with remarkable writing, impeccable editing, ingenious direction, minimal dialog and maximum emotions.

Incendies is a heartbreaking yet fresh and genius storytelling from world cinema. An essential masterclass of filmmaking and storytelling.

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Available to watch on Netflix, Google Play, HBO Max, and on Amazon Prime Video

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