It is a rare person who understands themselves fully. Few people even try to understand. So when it comes to knowing others deeply, even those close to us, the task is nearly impossible. Incendies delves into this seemingly hopeless undertaking.
Upon the death of their unusual and troubled mother, Nawal, twins Jeanne and Simon are given surprising and difficult assignments under her will; tracking down a father they thought was dead, finding a brother they never knew they had, and delivering mysterious letters from their mom to each of them. The journey begins in Lebanon where Nawal's footsteps are retraced. Shocking revelations are revealed about Nawal including; forbidden love, an honor killing, a stolen baby, violent militias, refugees, prison, torture, massacres, assassination and more. The twins discover a country caught in a chain of anger from which it struggles to free itself. Within the conflagrations are keys to understanding their mom, their family, and themselves.
Incendies is a deeply moving and explosive (literally and figuratively) glimpse into the heart of Lebanon and human nature. It is my second favorite film of all time. Scenes are raw and jolting, and none more so than the final revelation. This is part of Villeneuve's genius; the surprising scenes that come without the usual preludes (the revealing music like in Jaws, the intuitive responses, and obvious build-ups). He suddenly cuts through sense and emotion simultaneously. Boom! Through flashbacks and ambient sound contrasted with eerie Radiohead tracks, Villeneuve crafts something unique and thrilling. Lubna Azabal (Nawal) is perfect for the part. Incendies is based on a play by Wajdi Mouawad and filmed in Jordan and Quebec. I love Incendies mostly because it carries a profound and urgently needed message about how we judge and diminish other people and cultures, and how we can otherwise lift them up through sympathy, understanding and mercy.
