Shadows of Beirut Review Examines Covid-Era Chaos

The film "Shadows of Beirut" presents a fractured and frenetic drama, reportedly shot during the Covid-19 pandemic in both Beirut and a Bulgarian studio. This disjointed production schedule may contribute to the film's narrative style, which co-writer and producer Tala Calil, who also stars as protagonist Lana, seems to employ to mirror Lana's distraught mental state and the chaotic energy of Beirut. The city itself is depicted as ravaged by wars and possessing some of the most chaotic traffic in the Middle East, a setting where traffic lights are treated as mere suggestions, as illustrated by a scene where Lana is terrified by her friend Sirine's nonchalant driving.

Lana, who left Beirut 25 years prior, returns solely to visit her biological father, with whom she has only negative memories stemming from a childhood marked by his alcoholism and violence. Currently residing in London with her boyfriend Ben (Michael E Rodgers) and her mother, Lana's life is complicated by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), manifesting as an extreme adherence to sanitary personal protective equipment (PPE), including an N95 (UK FFP2) mask and a full-face clear plastic shield. However, upon her return to Beirut, Lana experiences a shift, finding the strength to abandon her extensive PPE regimen. This change coincides with her reconnection with her cousin Rami (Assaad Bouab) and her developing friendship with Sirine (Flavia Bechara), who assists Lana during a panic attack at the hospital. These interactions gradually empower Lana to confront her father before his death, a process that involves revisiting difficult memories and confronting her past.

The film's narrative unfolds as Lana slowly works through her anxieties and the trauma associated with her upbringing. Her return to Beirut is not just a physical journey but an emotional one, forcing her to confront the unresolved issues that have shaped her life. The juxtaposition of the global pandemic's restrictions and the inherent chaos of Beirut creates a unique backdrop for Lana's personal crisis. The film attempts to capture the psychological toll of such an environment on an individual grappling with deep-seated personal issues. The performances, particularly by Tala Calil, aim to convey the internal turmoil of a character caught between past trauma and present anxieties, all set against the backdrop of a city struggling with its own history and ongoing challenges. The narrative arc follows Lana's gradual process of opening up and finding a measure of peace amidst the turmoil.