Watch The Day I Lost My Shadow

The Day I Lost My Shadow is a 2018 drama film directed by Syrian filmmaker Soudade Kaadan. The movie tells the story of a mother and her young son who try to navigate life in war-ravaged Damascus, Syria during the civil war. The film is set in 2012, during the height of the conflict, when civilians were trying to go about their daily lives as much as possible amidst the chaos and destruction.

Sana (played by Reham Alkassar) is a mother who is struggling to keep her son, Khalil (played by Ziad Bakri), safe and healthy amidst the turmoil of the war. Many basic necessities such as food, water, and electricity are scarce in Damascus, so Sana spends much of her time standing in line to get what she needs to keep her family going. However, the one thing that she has in abundance is her love for her son, and she tries to provide a stable environment for him, even though they are living in extraordinary circumstances.

One day, Sana takes Khalil to a hospital to get some medicine, but things soon get out of hand when a bomb goes off nearby, causing widespread panic and chaos. Khalil is separated from his mother in the confusion, and Sana is determined to find him and bring him back home safely. In her desperate search for her son, Sana is forced to confront the realities of war and the devastation it has wrought upon her city and its people. She sees firsthand the destruction of buildings, the displacement of families, and the emotional toll that the conflict has taken on everyone around her.

As Sana looks for Khalil, the film takes on a surreal quality. It's set in the winter, and so the sun sets early and casts long shadows over the city. Sana becomes increasingly obsessed with shadows, and the symbolism of losing one's shadow takes on a greater meaning. As she searches for Khalil, she passes other people who have also lost their shadows, and the film suggests that this is a metaphor for the way that the war has stripped people of their humanity and identity.

The cinematography is stunning, with long tracking shots that follow Sana through the city as she searches for her son. The use of light and shadow is especially effective at creating a sense of unease and tension, with the shadows looming large over the characters and the landscape of the city. The film's sound design is also noteworthy, with an eerie soundscape that heightens the sense of danger and uncertainty.

The performances in the film are excellent, especially Reham Alkassar, who portrays Sana with an understated intensity that underscores the character's determination and resilience. Sawsan Arshid and Yara Ibrahim deliver compelling performances as well, adding nuance and depth to the story with their supporting roles.

Overall, The Day I Lost My Shadow is a moving and powerful film about the human toll of war. Director Soudade Kaadan infuses the narrative with symbolism and surrealist touches, but never loses sight of the emotional core of the story. The film depicts the tragedy of war in a way that is both poetic and devastating, and its impact lingers long after the end credits roll.