The Film "What Remains of You": A Family Tragedy that Summarizes the History of Palestine
The film 'What Remains of You' is a poignant historical drama that explores the trauma and resilience of a Palestinian family over three generations, set against the backdrop of significant political events from 1948 to 2022.
'What Remains of You' is a significant Arab film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025, directed by Sherine Djebli. It intertwines the personal memories of a Palestinian family with major political transformations spanning from the year 1948 to 2022, encapsulating the historical narrative of Palestine through a deeply personal lens. The film features a stellar cast including Mohammad Bakri and his two sons, Saleh and Adam Bakri, and is characterized by its dramatic structure that employs fragmented timelines and shifts between different eras.
The narrative begins in 1988 during the Palestinian Intifada, introducing us to a teenager named Nour, who unintentionally becomes a victim of the conflict when he is shot while throwing stones with a friend. This moment serves as a catalyst that prompts the director and actress Sherine Djebli to explore the story of Nour's grandfather to understand the broader historical context of her son's experience. This intergenerational storytelling technique not only highlights individual trauma but also reflects on the collective suffering and the ongoing struggle of the Palestinian people.
As the film unfolds, it delves into the complexities of identity and memory, presenting a family's journey through historical upheavals while also celebrating resilience and hope amidst adversity. Through its rich narrative and emotional depth, 'What Remains of You' aims to shed light on the Palestinian experience and provoke thought about the human condition in the face of conflict, making it relevant to audiences around the world.