In Syria

In Syria, also known as Insyriated, is a 2017 Belgian-French-Lebanese drama film directed by Philippe Van Leeuw. The movie follows a Syrian family and their neighbors as they try to survive in Damascus during the ongoing civil war.

The story primarily takes place in a single apartment building that has been converted into a makeshift shelter for the characters. The building is surrounded by the sounds of explosions and gunfire, which serve as a constant reminder of the violence happening outside. The film uses this confined setting to create a sense of claustrophobia, as the characters struggle to maintain their basic needs for survival.

Hiam Abbass stars as Oum Yazan, a mother and grandmother who is determined to keep her family safe. Oum Yazan is a strong and resourceful character, who often puts herself in danger to protect her loved ones. Diamand Bou Abboud plays Halima, Oum Yazan's tenant and surrogate daughter. Halima is a newlywed who is separated from her husband, trapped in the apartment with her abusive husband's sibling, and struggling to keep her pregnancy a secret. Juliette Navis plays Delhani, a neighbor who seeks refuge in Oum Yazan's apartment with her two young children.

The movie depicts the harrowing reality of life during wartime. Much of the action revolves around the characters trying to find food and water while managing limited resources. There are tense moments when they have to venture outside the apartment to scavenge for supplies or check on loved ones in nearby buildings. The film also touches on trauma and loss, as the characters witness death and destruction on a daily basis.

In Syria explores the moral dilemmas faced by those caught in the middle of a conflict zone. The characters are forced to make difficult choices to survive, often with profound consequences. The movie questions the morality of staying neutral in a warzone, pointing out the human cost of staying out of the conflict. At one point, Oum Yazan confronts a neighbor who refuses to help, saying that "staying silent is a crime."

The film does not take sides in the conflict, but rather shows the devastating impact of war on civilian life. The characters are not presented as political symbols, but rather as ordinary people struggling to survive. The filmmakers use a documentary-style approach to create an immersive experience, with handheld cameras and minimal music.

In Syria is a powerful and emotional film that sheds light on the ongoing crisis in Syria. The movie received critical acclaim at film festivals, including the Audience Award and Best Director Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. The performances of the three lead actresses have been widely praised, with Abbass in particular receiving recognition for her portrayal of Oum Yazan.

Overall, In Syria is a poignant and timely film that highlights the humanity in times of crisis. The movie is a reminder that, even in the midst of war, people can find small moments of hope and kindness.