“Incendies” is a movie directed by Denis Villeneuve, one of today’s prominent directors, who gained reputation following his work on “Polytechnique.” Released in 2010, this drama movie is an adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad’s play and was nominated for the “Best Foreign Language Film” category at the 2011 Academy Awards.

The movie opens with the haunting tune of Radiohead’s “You and Whose Army?” accompanying the shaving of a young boy, as if breaking the fourth wall. It then unfolds with a shocking revelation as twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette), who lost their mother Nawal (Lubna Azabal), discover her posthumous wish: to find their estranged father and brother. While Simon struggles to accept this, Jeanne embarks on a journey to fulfill her mother’s request. Villeneuve engages the audience in this quest.

As her first step, Jeanne travels to Lebanon, her mother’s homeland, in search of her father, seeking familiar faces. The only clue she has is a single photograph from her mother’s youth, later revealed to have been taken in a prison. We witness Jeanne gradually uncover her mother’s life story, making us, the viewers, experience the tension and anxiety just like Jeanne.

“Incendies” is a movie that captivates the audience with its richly detailed scenes. Moreover, it goes beyond merely portraying a tragedy, delving into the social structure and historical conflicts of the region. The movie bears witness to the Christian-Muslim conflicts in 1970s Lebanon while effectively presenting a profound and gut-wrenching family drama. The fragmented narrative, transitioning seamlessly between past and present, contributes to this impact.

Skillfully blending the past and the present, the film employs mystery and suspense elements in a balanced manner. It keeps the audience contemplating secrets and sorrows for nearly two hours, culminating in a powerful and surprising finale. As Simon states, “One plus one doesn’t always equal two,” the movie painfully demonstrates the complexity of the world.

Lubna Azabal, portraying Nawal, delivers such a striking performance that it is impossible for the audience not to feel the fire within her. Azabal effectively portrays the psychological effects of war and the sense of helplessness experienced by her character in every scene she appears in. Some single-shot scenes allow us to feel the emotional turmoil of the character.

“Incendies” not only showcases Denis Villeneuve’s directorial vision but also lays bare the heavy tragedies of the Lebanese civil war. With each scene, the movie has the power to deeply shake and challenge the audience.