A film shot during the Covid-19 pandemic features a fractured narrative style that may reflect both the chaotic production schedule and the mental state of its protagonist, Lana, played by Tala Calil, who also co-wrote and produced the film. Lana, who left Beirut 25 years ago, returns to confront her biological father, a man with whom she has painful memories from a childhood marked by alcoholism and violence. She currently lives in London with her boyfriend Ben and her mother, though their relationship is strained due to Lana’s obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which causes her to wear extensive personal protective equipment (PPE), including an N95 (UK FFP2) mask and a full-face clear plastic mask.
Upon returning to Beirut, Lana stops wearing the PPE and begins to reconnect with her cousin Rami and gradually opens up to Sirine, a friend who helps her during a panic attack at the hospital. As the story unfolds, Lana confronts her father before his death, uncovering long-buried family secrets. The film’s portrayal of Beirut highlights the city’s chaotic traffic and the mental distress of its inhabitants, painting a vivid picture of a place where life is complicated by both external and internal struggles.
While the actors' English dialogue sometimes feels stiff, director Tina Gharavi draws stronger performances from the cast when speaking in Arabic. The film is enriched by subtle, powerful performances from supporting characters, including a scene where Rami's wife humiliates him with harsh words in front of relatives. These moments add depth to the narrative and underscore the emotional complexity of the characters.
The film depicts a world that feels real and lived in, despite the challenges it portrays—ruined housing, financial insecurity, and unhappy families. Through its fragmented storytelling and emotional depth, the film offers a poignant exploration of memory, identity, and the search for reconciliation, set against the backdrop of a city in turmoil.
Film Explores Trauma and Identity in War-Torn City Amid Pandemic Production Challenges
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