Incendies
Incendies

Incendies

2010Movie131 minFrench

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.

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Insights

IMDb8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users94%
Director: Denis VilleneuveGenres: Drama, Mystery, War

Plot Summary

Twins Jeanne and Simon Marwan are tasked by their late mother's will to deliver two letters to a father they never knew and a brother whose existence was kept secret. Their journey takes them back to their mother's war-torn homeland, unraveling a devastating family history intertwined with civil conflict and personal sacrifice. As they piece together the fragments of her past, they uncover profound truths about identity, loss, and the enduring impact of war.

Critical Reception

Incendies was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its powerful storytelling, Villeneuve's masterful direction, and the compelling performances of its cast. It is frequently cited as one of the most impactful films of the 21st century, praised for its emotional resonance and its unflinching examination of the aftermath of war and its effect on families.

What Reviewers Say

  • A harrowing and deeply moving exploration of family secrets and the lasting trauma of war.
  • Denis Villeneuve's masterful direction creates a compelling narrative that is both intimate and epic.
  • The film's powerful performances and intricate plot leave a lasting emotional impact.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praised Incendies for its incredibly powerful and emotional story, its masterful direction, and its profound exploration of difficult themes. Many viewers found the film to be deeply moving and unforgettable, highlighting its ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film; Won 8 Canadian Screen Awards (formerly Genie Awards), including Best Motion Picture; Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Fun Fact

The film is based on Wajdi Mouawad's 2003 play of the same name, which Villeneuve had never seen before reading the screenplay adaptation.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
griggs79

griggs79

_Incendies_ crawls under your skin and stays there. Villeneuve sets the mood with silence, shadow, and slow-burn tension, building a mystery with the weight of a Greek tragedy. Some parts drag, but they add gravity to the gut-punch revelati...
Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

Great movie for a great and tough story. Good photography and cut, the story is well developed and the performances are superb. Also, it doesn't fail on being over dramatic. Just the perfect balance. A must to be seen.