Does mother always know best? The answer isn’t so simple in director Fawaz Al-Matrouk‘s sci-fi drama, Anwar. The 20-minute short film tells the story of a mother and son who have differing perspectives on life and death and how, despite conflicting opinions, they finally come to understand the beauty in each other’s choices. Anwar made its World Premiere at Les Utopiales, an annual international science fiction festival held in Nantes, France. The film makes its US Premiere at the Sedona International Film Festival at the end of this month.

When is Eternal Life Worth Living?

“What happens when you die?” asks 8-year-old Anwar to his mother, Mona (Kerry Bishé), shortly after they experience the loss of a pet bird. This expansive question kicks off the beginning of a highly-anticipated conversation with Mona, who has been waiting until he was old enough to comprehend the idea of eternity. Mona confesses that years ago, she decided to trade her human experience for eternal life. Just how that happened, and why she chose to turn immortal when everyone she loves remained mortal, remains unclear. But logistics don’t seem to be a high priority to effectively get the message of the story across.

Mona has joined a growing number of people who trade mortality for invincibility. They are known as “ever people” and she hopes her son will join her destiny decision. But contrary to his mother’s wishes, Anwar longs for heaven. He doesn’t believe humans are meant to live forever. As the film evolves through the decades, we see Anwar age from 8 to 18 to 80. Mona, meanwhile, remains eternal throughout. It is only when Anwar reaches old age that Mona can see the beauty in death. Ironically, it is on his deathbed when Anwar has a final moment of doubt.

Takeaway

Fawaz Al-Matrouk gives audiences much to meditate on in his indie sci-fi drama. The film feels very organic in both its tone and aesthetic, which adds a sense of calmness to an otherwise distressing topic. Set in a lush natural landscape and backed by a strong leading performance from Kerry Bishé (Argo, Halt & Catch Fire), Anwar is a film that aims to awaken the spirit.