Insyriated

This tense, upsetting and timely drama takes place entirely in and around a Damascus apartment block under siege, over just a few hours. It’s uneasy and troubling, as it should be, as the ominous, mostly unseen, battle rages outside. The head of the household, Oum Yazan (Hiam Abbass), does all she can indoors to hold things together for the sake of her family, as well as the neighbouring young couple, who are staying with her after their own place was shelled. It can sometimes feel like ‘Insyriated’ is awkwardly carrying the weight of an entire complicated conflict on its shoulders – but its sense of claustrophobia and immediacy can also feel horribly convincing.