Insyriated
Directed by:
Philippe Van LeeuwScreenplay:
Philippe Van LeeuwCinematography:
Virginie SurdejCast:
Hiam Abbass, Juliette Navis, Diamand Bou Abboud, Mohsen Abbas, Moustapha Al Kar, Alissar Kaghadou, Ninar Halabi, Jihad Sleik, Elias KhatterVOD (1)
Plots(1)
Energetic Oum Yazan is trying desperately to keep together her family life whilst outside a war is raging. The family sits together around a large table at midday, everyone trying to make themselves heard above the cannonade of bombs and machine gun fire. There is hardly any water and every trip outside the door spells danger on account of the snipers on the rooftops above. While Grandfather plays with his little grandchild, the oldest daughter flirts with her boyfriend in her room. Next door a young couple with a baby are planning their escape. Up above, threatening noises can be heard. Who's that knocking at the door? Could it be Oum Yazan's husband whose return she has been anxiously awaiting, or are there strange men outside, looking for valuables? Just a few shots are necessary to draw the viewer into the permanent state of emergency that is war. The apartment that was once a familiar home has now become a prison. Philippe Van Leeuw's huis clos describes people in an extreme situation that gives rise to extreme behaviour. Every decision could be a matter of life or death: is it morally acceptable to sacrifice one member of the family to guarantee the survival of the others? (Berlinale)
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With all due respect to the suffering of the people of war-torn Syria, and being aware of the hundreds of thousands of victims and their harsh stories, I must label In Syria an artistic failure. The film relies too heavily on its bitter content, but its execution falls short. Despite the displayed pain, the film fails to captivate or even hold one's attention. I noticed a glassy expression in the eyes of some viewers, and I couldn't ignore their repeated yawning. The problem is not with the actors or the subject matter - after all, Hiam Abbass is rightfully regarded as a top actress, and Diamand Bou Abboud is also excellent. The issue lies with the direction. Philipp Van Leeuw simply lacks the mastery necessary to create a great film. Take Polanski's The Pianist or Kachyňa's Coach to Vienna, for example. In both cases, the director only needed a simple story, an intimate setting, and just three characters to unfold an emotionally devastating drama - all because the director was a creative visionary who didn't settle for average results. Overall impression: 55% out of courtesy.
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