INCENDIES

Incendies
2010
Sub-titled

“Incendies” can not be easily categorized. Is this Canadian film (nominated for an Academy Award in the Foreign Film category in 2010) a (a) war movie? (b) mystery? (c) family drama? (d) thriller? (e) all of the aforementioned categories? The correct answer is (e) and much more.

Two fraternal twins are each given a challenge revealed in the reading of their mother’s last will and testament. The deceased trusted notary instructs the young adults as to their mother, Nawal’s wishes. Jeanne accepts the challenge that includes traveling to her mother’s homeland in the Middle East to seek the truth. Simon refuses to become involved until Jeanne beckons him to join her on her dangerous journey.

Originally a play, “Incendies” tells two parallel stories, the twins search for truth and their mother’s unknown life before their birth. Not wanting to “give” away the twists and turns of the plot, it is difficult to explain the pull this film has on the viewer.

Where is Jeanne going next in her search? Why are so many stumbling blocks thrown in her path? What will Simon uncover? When did Nawal write the letters? What happened at the pool?

A word of caution: the film’s flashbacks reveal the horrors of war, therefore suggested for mature adults. That being noted, “Incendies” is a brilliant example of storytelling and highly recommended.

Rebecca Redshaw is an author and playwright who worked for 25 years in the film industry in Los Angeles. Copies of her book, SOFA CINEMA: An Easy Guide to DVDs may be purchased at the Sequim Gazette. She can be reached at r2redshaw@hotmail.com.