ZenShark

Incendies is an extremely manipulative plot that actually makes little sense the more you think about it. So basically don't think about the plot, and the utter lack of logic and probability in the sequence of events. Enjoy it as a mood piece.

But when you start to think about the story and the plot, it's extremely contrived, full of ridiculous coincidences, bordering on absurdity. The plot device that moves the story makes little sense, especially when we find out something near the end of the movie. It's like you want to play with the emotions of your family after you're dead, rather than give them quick closure.

What holds the movie together is the good acting from the main cast (the siblings mainly, everyone else has little to do. Even there I suppose the sister is the best role in the movie) and direction, that tries to add weight to a relatively absurd plot.

McAvoy is great and probably the best part. But the changes made to the script are all detrimental to the story. Watch the original over this version. Unless you prefer the more generic version of the story. The third act simply does not work. In fact it also undermines the slow burn of the first act.

The original version was surprising and unpredictable, but this reeks of the typical Americanisation of a European work: more simple, more predictable, and unwilling to go to the extremes of human emotion. The original version pushes the audience to extreme reactions, and therefore might not be for the weak hearted. But this one simply has no impact. The ending of the original may linger with you for a long time.

This film can be funny, scary, disturbing, horrible and sad from one split moment to the next. The stream of conciousness style, and deliberately chaotic visuals and sound are crafted to create the unease of a mind losing control. The movie breaks meta boundaries and if youre paying attention even the art style is explained. We are in the mind of the protagonist, and for the short hour long length we cannot escape. Personally I've not seen a movie that captures the humanity of us so well.

If you want movie about human nature and life, give this a shot. Even if you have a slight philosophical or intoverted view on do give this a try. But be warned it can be triggering for those suffering from mental illness.

Brilliant.