At the start of the movie, the main characters, Jeanne and Simon, receive a shocking will from their deceased mother, Nawal. The lawyer reveals that their mother has left them a mission: to find their father and brother, whom they thought were dead. This moment sets the stage for the entire journey, forcing the siblings to confront their family's dark past. The tension is palpable as they sit in the lawyer's office, not knowing how their lives will change. This mission deeply affects their lives and feels like a weighty burden.

Context: This scene establishes the mystery and the emotional stakes of Nawal’s life and her relationships with her children.

Jeanne decides to go to her mother's homeland to uncover the truth. As she travels through the war-torn landscape, the visuals starkly contrast with her comfortable life in Canada. The pivotal moment is when she comes across her mother’s childhood home. The imagery of the dilapidated structure symbolizes the destruction of history and family ties, emphasizing the film's themes. Jeanne's determination grows as she realizes the depth and complexity of her mother's past.

Context: This moment captures the beginning of Jeanne's journey and her transition from ignorance to knowledge about her family history.

Jeanne finds a woman who knew her mother, and this conversation unveils the horror of Nawal's life during the war. The woman recounts tales of violence and loss. As the details unfold, Jeanne is struck by the weight of what her mother endured. The emotional peak happens when Jeanne realizes how her mother's past directly affects her present. The colors of the surrounding setting darken, which mirrors her emotional descent into grief and shame.

Context: This scene is crucial as it showcases the depth of Nawal's suffering and begins to reveal the painful truth about family and betrayal.

In a flashback, we see Nawal as a young woman during a massacre. The cinematography intensifies, with poignant close-ups capturing the fear in her eyes. At that moment, she makes a choice to protect her child, showcasing the theme of sacrifice prominently found within the film. This flashback holds the audience's breath as it unveils the horrors she faced and the resilience she exhibited.

Context: This moment takes viewers deeper into Nawal's life and emphasizes the generational trauma impacting her family.

Simon struggles with the truths revealed about their family. His confrontation with Jeanne in a heated argument shows his frustration at the painful legacy of their mother. Their argument escalates, becoming a moment of raw emotion where Simon’s pain and anger are palpable. The visuals of the darkened room serve as a reflection of their hopelessness. Simon's explosive outburst signals a turning point for their relationship and the narrative, as it reveals the generational impact of trauma.

Context: This scene highlights sibling dynamics and how each copes with their mother's legacy, emphasizing the challenges they face.

Jeanne discovers audio recordings of Nawal speaking about her life. Listening to her mother’s voice, filled with pain and resilience, hits Jeanne hard. The atmosphere is thick with emotion as we hear Nawal's story in her own words. It’s a pivotal moment as Jeanne begins to empathize with her mother. The room becomes her sanctuary, where silence is only broken by her mother’s haunting voice.

Context: This moment is pivotal for Jeanne’s emotional journey, as it wraps the past and present in a deeply personal way.

Jeanne meets her estranged father. The scene is charged with tension as emotions collide. Each character holds decades of hurt, betrayal, and longing. Their dialogue is clipped, filled with a mix of hatred and the yearning for connection. The lighting is dim, mirroring the somber gravity of their exchange. This moment is marked by the revelation that Nawal had a life intertwined with tragedy caused by him.

Context: This confrontation encapsulates the film's exploration of forgiveness, legacy, and the complexities of familial bonds.

In a poignant moment, Nawal gives birth amidst chaos. The visceral imagery highlights her strength and vulnerability at once. In a half-lit room filled with the sounds of conflict outside, the juxtaposition of life and death is stark. This moment encapsulates the film's exploration of resilience in the face of despair. Her determination to remain strong for her child speaks volumes to viewers, establishing her character's emotional core.

Context: This scene details the immense challenges Nawal faced as a young mother and sets up the enormity of her sacrifices.

The siblings uncover the truth about their brother's fate. Shocked and devastated, their world shatters around them as they learn he was a victim of violence. The visuals are heart-wrenching, with flashbacks interspersed, showing the innocence of their brother as a child contrasted against his tragic end. This floods the scene with emotional weight, and the audience is left grappling with the injustice.

Context: This revelation is crucial as it serves as a catalyst for the siblings' healing process and underscores the film's themes of loss and injustice.

After confronting her father, Jeanne resolves to carry on her mother's legacy. Standing at the edge of a cliff, she looks out at the horizon. The visuals reflect hope amongst despair as she decides to not let her mother’s suffering be in vain. This moment signifies her transformation from a passive observer to an active participant in her family’s story.

Context: Jeanne’s resolve cements her growth and shows the audience that while past traumas shape us, they don’t define us.

Simon is left alone in his room, haunted by the family’s history. This solitary moment is filled with torment as he battles his emotions. His despair is palpable, and the stillness in the room is contrasted by the chaos within him. This scene represents the depth of his internal struggle and his inability to overcome the grief caused by their family’s past.

Context: Simon's breakdown offers insight into the psychological toll of inherited trauma, framing his character's arc profoundly.

Near the film’s conclusion, the audience learns about Nawal’s ultimate sacrifice, revealing a deeply buried secret that ties everything together. Viewers witness a poignant flashback of Nawal as she faces her past. The emotional resonance is overwhelming, and the visuals carry the weight of sorrow. The darkness of the scene symbolizes finality and acceptance, urging the audience to confront their own understandings of forgiveness.

Context: This climax captures the essence of pain and redemption woven through the film, emphasizing the complexity of love and sacrifice.

Jeanne reflects on her mother’s influence while looking at old photographs. The montage of images portrays Nawal’s life, filled with both sorrow and love. The scene flows seamlessly, giving viewers a glimpse into Nawal’s complexities as a mother. The emotional weight of nostalgia seeps through, reminding the audience of the power of memory.

Context: This moment illustrates how the past continues to shape the present, tying together themes of memory and legacy.

Jeanne finds letters written by Nawal but never sent. The camera lingers on her expressions as she reads; every word hits as though it transcends time. The letters reveal raw emotions and unexpressed love, and the direct address feels intimate. This moment is pivotal for Jeanne, as it helps her understand her mother more profoundly.

Context: The letters add layers to Nawal’s character and provide insight into her internal conflicts, enriching the narrative.

Simon watches television news reports about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and tensions rise within him. The juxtaposition between the news and his personal family tragedy hits home, illustrating how larger global conflicts affect individual lives. His internal turmoil is expressed through the flickering screen, and it serves as a harsh reminder of unresolved issues.

Context: This scene connects personal and political narratives, encapsulating the far-reaching effects of war on families.

Towards the end of the film, Jeanne bids farewell to the people she met on her journey. Each goodbye feels heavy with emotion as she expresses gratitude while understanding their struggles. The visuals are vibrant, contrasting the sadness of the farewells, embodying a sense of hope. It’s a poignant moment that underscores the connection she has formed and her growth throughout the film.

Context: This farewell signifies Jeanne's acceptance of her mother's past and her own identity, closing a chapter while opening others.

In the final moments, Jeanne and Simon come together, having faced their demons. Their embrace is filled with relief and sorrow, capturing the complexity of healing through shared pain. The camera pulls back, emphasizing the idea of unity amidst their traumatic history. This moment of connection highlights the importance of family and forgiveness.

Context: This scene encapsulates the theme of resilience, ending the film on a note of hope coming from acceptance.

In a powerful flashback, Nawal’s final words to her children echo through the scenes. “I wanted you to know who I am.” This is a crucial moment where she reveals her deepest desires for her children’s understanding and connection to their roots. The emotional weight is profound, as we see how her past impacts her legacy.

Context: It solidifies the importance of storytelling and understanding one’s heritage to navigate through pain.

Toward the end, the film reflects on the concept of memory through a conversation between Jeanne and Simon. Their discourse about how they will remember their mother bridges the gap between past and present. This scene encourages viewers to reflect on their own memories and how they shape identity. The atmosphere is contemplative, mixing melancholy with understanding.

Context: This moment speaks to the theme of remembrance and the different narratives shaped by personal experiences.

Jeanne confronts her father about his past with Nawal. The dialogue carries the weight of betrayal and sorrow, culminating in a charged revelation about his role in the family’s tragedy. The silence that falls afterward lingers heavily, forcing viewers to reckon with the emotional fallout. This moment is pivotal, illuminating the destructive power of secrets.

Context: The dialogue serves to unravel deep-seated family turmoil, further emphasizing the film’s exploration of forgiveness.

As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses a painful cycle of violence through a sequence of flashbacks showcasing Nawal's experiences. The visuals create a haunting contrast of love and war, depicting how trauma can be passed down generations. It’s a visceral moment that evokes sadness and anger at the futility of conflict.

Context: This scene profoundly ties the characters’ personal stories to historical violence, emphasizing its lasting impact.

The film concludes with scenes showing Jeanne planting a tree in her mother’s memory. The action symbolizes growth and hope for the future. The camera frames her in a sunlit setting, portraying a sense of serenity and possibility. This final act of planting a tree signifies a commitment to remembrance and healing.

Context: This moment encapsulates the film’s overarching themes of reconciliation and the possibility of new beginnings.