BERLINALE 2020 - Sisters Apart (Im Feuer)

70th Berlinale Film Festival © Pallas Film, Match Factory Productions

Daphne Charizani's Im Feuer (Sisters Apart) is a politically charged drama that explores the brutality of war and its victims torn across multiple cultures and countries.

There is profound seriousness present in Charizani's film that explores a relevant and harsh subject matter that is deeply affecting to those that watch. The almost "silent" war in Syria takes precedent here and while the wounds of such a harrowing moment in history may be too fresh for some, Charizani utilises such in a compelling and enlightening manner to highlight the souls who have been left behind. 

It is a film that mostly centres itself as a journey, with the arrival only a small but undeniably integral and vital moment within a larger body of work. That being said, Im Feuer does not craft itself on the basis of that single emotional payoff. Quite frankly, the moment does little to add upon the house that has already been built. The journey itself, to watch Almila Bagriacik's outstanding performance as Rodja, is worth the harrowing running time alone. 

Bagriacik's performance is nothing short of stunning. The actress’ range and physical demeanour are ever so effective in its simplicity, and the resulting role is a fabulous multifaceted concoction with a tremendous weight behind it. Im Feuer, while undeniably a traumatic and challenging time, is a film that needs to be seen. The juxtaposed military viewpoint and the loud voice of immigration cement this not only as utterly heartbreaking but a defining feature on the silent victims of refugees.