This French-Canadian slow-burner, written and directed by Denis Villeneuve, will pull you in with one of the best movie beginnings of all time – and its outstanding ending will leave you shaken. To fulfill their mother’s last wish after her sudden death in Montreal, the two twins Jeanne and Simon must travel separately to an unnamed Middle-Eastern country (with strong resemblances to civil-war-torn Lebanon) to deliver letters to close relatives they never knew they had.
The twins’ quest into a dark and staggering family history makes them experience themselves and the violence of war like they had never imagined. Their ordeal is interrupted by a series of flashbacks telling the story of their mother, Nawal Marwan, before leading them to uncover a deeply disturbing secret. Based on Wajdi Mouawad’s 2003 play of the same name, this melodramatic war thriller takes a poetic and poignant look at how families are shaped by atrocities – even long the after wars that produced them have ended.
"This is the sort of movie, smart about geo-politics, but equally rich and complex in human emotions, that Costa-Gavras was making in his prime."
— Scott Foundas
"Elemental and expertly directed, Nawal's story haunts long after the credits have rolled."
— Josh Winning
A mother's last wishes send twins Jeanne and Simon on a journey to Middle East in search of their tangled roots. Adapted from Wajdi Mouawad's acclaimed play, Incendies tells the powerful and moving tale of two young adults' voyage to the core of deep-rooted hatred, never-ending wars and enduring love.
Oscars
1 nomination
Venice
1 nomination
BAFTA
1 nomination
Sundance
1 nomination
Nat. Board of Review
1 win
NYFCC
1 nomination
César Awards
1 nomination
Difficult to put into words what the experience of watching this movie was like for me. An absolute masterpiece. Everything about it was superb. Characters, performances, story, shooting. Everything. One of the best, if not the best film I’ve seen in my life.
Very touching story, and not at all removed from the harsh reality of wars in the Middle East. Quite shocking too. All the actors did a marvelous job! Strongly recommended.
it’s just hard not to get mind blown by the end of it. Absolute must-watch.
Fabulous. Riveting. Introspective. A film that points out that we never really know our parents. That people can live many lifetimes. That humans can be strong beyond strength.
Jesus Christ, this movie. Just shut up, sit there, and watch this movie. Then ponder about what you have just seen. 5/5
A sublime movie whose beauty is both omnipresent and heartbreaking. It’s about time, sorrow, intergenerational development… Just a masterpiece.
This movie is masterpiece in every category. A Must Watch
Wow. Just. Wow. There are very few nits to pick with this film. It is carefully paced with very good cinematography and just enough detail to force viewers to interact with the story in meaningful manners. And the last twenty minutes? Interesting. Very interesting.
It’s a brilliantly crafted plot that I enjoyed from start to finish. Intense, smart, and gripping.
This is the best Movie I think I have ever watched and I am writing this 3 months after I saw it. This is genius.
I’d put this movie in an S tier right away. The story is beyond mind blowing and it will make your mind running from the very first scene, to the last.
Cannot believe I haven’t seen this movie till now a wonderful experience to say the least
My GOAT