DVD Corner

In Syria DVD Review

“In Syria” is an intense drama.

Set entirely in one apartment, “In Syria” focuses on the occupants (a controlling mother of three, her father, a young couple with child staying with them after their place was damaged, a nanny and a young man) of said apartment amidst a war raging outside their home in Damascus, Syria.

Knowing nothing about this film in advance, I certainly wasn’t prepared for how tragic, disturbing, intense, and claustrophobic “In Syria” would be. This is a dark, dark drama that never lets up. Yes, there is hope in the end and it is, at its heart, a story of family and survival, but this is a tough movie to watch. Writer/director Philippe Van Leeuw really makes viewers feel like they are in the apartment right there with this family and it’s a truly harrowing experience as you too feel like you are caught in the middle of a war unable to trust anyone outside or even inside to a degree. I could go into more spoiler detail, but trust me when I say the movie is more effective knowing next to nothing. I will say though that the content in this movie is not suitable for everyone.

The ensemble cast is terrific here as there’s almost a documentary esque feel to this movie. The real stars, however, are Hiam Abbass (currently seen in HBO’s underrated “Succession”) as the mother Oum and Diamond Bou Abboud who really impresses with the most challenging role in the film.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1. How does it look? A crisp standard definition transfer.

Audio Track: Arabic 5.1 Surround. How does it sound? From the background noises to the dialogue, this is a quality track.

Extras: * Film Movement and “In Syria” trailers * A short film by Hiam Abbass titled “Le Pain”

July 4, 2018 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Hiam Abbass, In Syria DVD Review