Incendies Ending Explained, Plot, Cast and Trailer
by A Maria
Updated Jun 21, 2023
Incendies Film
Incendies, meaning "Fires" in French, is a captivating Canadian drama film released in 2010. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside Valérie Beaugrand-Champagne, the movie is an adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad's play of the same name. The film features an exceptional cast including Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, and Rémy Girard.
The story revolves around twins from Canada who embark on a journey to their mother's homeland in the Middle East. In the midst of a brutal civil war, they set out to uncover their mother's mysterious and concealed past. Although the country remains unnamed, the film draws heavy inspiration from the Lebanese Civil War, and specifically, the experiences of prisoner Souha Bechara.
Incendies was primarily filmed in Montreal, with a few days of shooting taking place in Jordan. It made its debut at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals in September 2010, receiving critical acclaim. The film was later released in Quebec on September 17, 2010, garnering further positive reviews both in Canada and internationally. Its powerful storytelling and compelling performances resonated with audiences and critics alike.
The film's excellence was recognized with numerous awards. In 2011, Incendies received a nomination for the prestigious Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, highlighting its international recognition. Additionally, it secured eight Genie Awards, including the highly coveted Best Motion Picture award. Incendies stands as a testament to Denis Villeneuve's directorial prowess and the talented ensemble cast.
Its exploration of personal and historical themes within the backdrop of war captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying its place as a remarkable and impactful film in Canadian cinema.
Incendies Ending Explained
In the end of the film "Incendies," several revelations unfold, shedding light on the complex familial connections and the emotional journey of the characters. It is revealed that the twins' father, Abou Tarek, who also happened to be their mother's tormentor during her imprisonment, is none other than the child she had given up as a teenager. This shocking revelation makes him both their father and their brother.
In a crucial flashback scene at the pool, it is unveiled that the mother and Abou Tarek were present together, but he did not recognize her. This revelation deeply devastates the twins. Despite their anguish, they track down Abou Tarek, now living as Nihad of May, in Canada, where he works as a bus cleaner. The twins deliver two letters to him, but they leave before he reads them.
The first letter, addressed to the father, contains scathing words of condemnation, signed by "Whore #72," which was Nawal's prisoner number. It declares that their children will deliver this letter, but he will not recognize them, highlighting the twins' intention to remain anonymous. The letter confronts him with his abhorrent actions and holds him accountable.
On the other hand, the second letter, addressed to the son, offers forgiveness and emphasizes that despite everything, Nawal is still his mother and loves him as much as she did when he was born. Nihad is visibly shaken by the impact of these letters.
After fulfilling their mother's wishes, the twins return to Jean, who informs them that their mother left behind a final letter for them. In this letter, Nawal urges them to break the cycle of anger and not dwell on the horrors surrounding their conception and birth. She expresses that she has found closure, granting them permission to bury her with a headstone, as she no longer needs to hide from the world.
The film concludes with a shot of Nawal Matwan's marble headstone, displaying her birth and death dates. As the camera pulls back, an indistinct male figure approaches the headstone, standing before it. This image leaves the identity of the figure open to interpretation, symbolizing the continuation of life and the lasting impact of Nawal's story.
The ending of "Incendies" resonates with a sense of closure, forgiveness, and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of pain and anger. It reflects the transformative journey of the twins and their mother, ultimately highlighting the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace.
Incendies Cast
Lubna Azabal
Nawal Marwan
Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin
Jeanne Marwan
Maxim Gaudette
Simon Marwan
Rémy Girard
Jean Lebel
Abdelghafour Elaaziz
Abou Tarek/Nihad "Nihad de Mai" Harmanni
Allen Altman
Notary Maddad
Mohamed Majd
Chamseddine
Nabil Sawalha
Fahim
Baya Belal
Maika
Bader Alami
Nicolas
Karim Babin
Chamseddine's guard
Anthony Ecclissi
Lifeguard
Joyce Raie
Student Journalist
Yousef Shweihat
Sharif
Celine Soulier
French Journalist
Mher Karakashian
Chamseddine's assistant
CAST
CHARACTER
Incendies Plot
Following the death of their mother, Nawal, an Arab immigrant in Canada, Jeanne and her twin brother, Simon, are faced with a mysterious task outlined in their mother's will. The will reveals that Nawal's final wish for a proper gravestone and casket hinges on Jeanne and Simon tracking down their unknown brother and their long-lost father, whom they believed to be dead.
Nawal's will includes two letters—one for their father and the other for their brother. While Jeanne accepts the challenge, Simon, having had a difficult relationship with their mother, is initially reluctant to embark on this pursuit. Through a series of flashbacks, the audience learns about Nawal's past. She hailed from a Christian Arab family in an unnamed Middle Eastern country, where she fell in love with a refugee named Wahab, resulting in her pregnancy.
However, her family's disapproval leads to the murder of her lover. Nawal narrowly escapes an honor killing by her family, thanks to her grandmother's intervention. Her grandmother compels her to promise to leave the village after giving birth and start a new life in the fictional city of Daresh. As a symbol of their bond, Nawal's grandmother tattoos the back of the baby's heel and sends him to an orphanage.
In Daresh, Nawal attends university while a civil war ravages the country, accompanied by disturbing war crimes. Nawal becomes a staunch advocate for human rights and opposes the war. Tragedy strikes when her son's orphanage in Kfar Khout is destroyed by a Muslim militant named Chamseddine, who forcibly recruits the young boy as an Islamic child soldier.
Surviving a massacre of Muslim refugees by Christian Nationalists, Nawal eventually joins the Muslim fighters and takes matters into her own hands by shooting a nationalist leader. However, she is captured and imprisoned in Kfar Ryat, where she endures the horrifying ordeal of being raped by her torturer, Abou Tarek. As a result of the assault, Nawal gives birth to the twins, Jeanne and Simon.
Guided by Lebel, a family friend, and notary, Jeanne travels to her mother's native country and gradually uncovers the truth about Nawal's tumultuous past. She convinces Simon to join her on this journey of self-discovery.
With Lebel's assistance, they discover that their brother's name is Nihad of May and manage to track down Chamseddine. Simon confronts Chamseddine personally and learns the shocking truth—Nihad was captured, converted, and trained as a torturer by the nationalists.
As Abou Tarek, he became both the twins' half-brother and father. Consequently, both letters are addressed to the same person, Nihad. Nawal, by sheer coincidence, encounters Nihad at a Canadian swimming pool, recognizing both his tattoo and his face. The revelation shatters her, leading to a stroke that ultimately results in her decline and untimely death at the age of sixty.
The twins finally locate Nihad in Canada and deliver Nawal's letters to him. Nihad opens both letters, discovering the truth about his relationship to the twins. The first letter expresses contempt, addressing him as the twins' father and rapist. In contrast, the second letter addresses him as the twins' brother, conveying words of care and love. Through this revelation, Nawal's final act ensures that Nihad receives his deserved punishment and also the chance for redemption and reconciliation.
The story concludes as Nawal finally receives the gravestone she was denied, honoring her memory and the sacrifices she made throughout her tumultuous life. In a poignant scene, Nihad visits her grave, indicating a glimmer of remorse and reflection. "The Promise of Nawal" is a compelling tale that explores themes of family, identity, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and redemption.
Incendies Where to Watch?
You can stream the movie "Incendies" by renting or purchasing it on popular digital platforms such as Google Play, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and Vudu. These platforms offer the convenience of streaming the film directly to your device, allowing you to enjoy the gripping story from the comfort of your own home.
Experience the emotional journey of "Incendies" by renting or purchasing it on these platforms and delve into a thought-provoking and compelling cinematic experience.
About Incendies
Directed by
Denis Villeneuve
Screenplay by
Based on
Incendies
by Wajdi Mouawad
Release dates
Country
Canada
Languages
Arabic
French
Incendies Ending Explained - FAQs
You can watch the film "Incendies" by renting or purchasing it on popular digital platforms such as Google Play, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and Vudu. These platforms offer the convenience of streaming the movie directly to your device, allowing you to enjoy the captivating story from the comfort of your own home.
The ending of "Incendies" reveals several revelations that shed light on the complex familial connections and emotional journey of the characters. It is revealed that the twins' father, Abou Tarek, is actually their mother's tormentor during her imprisonment and also the child she had given up as a teenager.
The main cast of "Incendies" includes Lubna Azabal as Nawal Marwan, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin as Jeanne Marwan, Maxim Gaudette as Simon Marwan, Rémy Girard as Jean Lebel, Abdelghafour Elaaziz as Abou Tarek/Nihad "Nihad de Mai" Harmanni, and Allen Altman as Notary Maddad, among others.
The plot of "Incendies" revolves around Jeanne and Simon, twins from Canada, who embark on a journey to their mother's homeland in the Middle East after her death. In the midst of a brutal civil war, they must track down their unknown brother and their long-lost father, whom they believed to be dead.
"Incendies" made its debut at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals in September 2010, receiving critical acclaim. It was later released in Quebec on September 17, 2010, garnering further positive reviews both in Canada and internationally. The film received numerous awards, including a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2011. It also won eight Genie Awards, including Best Motion Picture, highlighting its excellence in Canadian cinema.