A Heart-Wrenching Exploration of Loss, Resilience, and Hope Amidst the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

All That’s Left of You, directed and written by Cherien Dabis, is a poignant and contemplative film that delves deep into the heart of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict by examining the devastating history through the perspective of a single family. What makes this film particularly impactful is not only its exploration of one family’s journey but also the universality of the story it tells. It’s a narrative rooted in loss, resilience, and an unyielding desire for hope, even in the darkest of times.

The film opens in 1988 during a tense protest in the West Bank, where a teenage boy named Noor (played by Muhammad Abed Elrahman) confronts Israeli soldiers, embodying the spirit of the Intifada — the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation. Noor’s fate hangs in the balance as a bullet shatters the windshield of the car where he takes cover. This moment sends viewers into a historical flashback that spans generations.

A brilliant narrative structure unfolds as Noor’s mother speaks directly to the camera, sharing her son’s story through the lens of his grandfather, Sharif (portrayed by the father and son duo Mohammad Bakri and Adam Bakri, respectively). This approach effectively illustrates the profound impact of history on the present moment.

The 1948 flashback to the Nakba, the forced displacement of Palestinians from their homes in what is now Israel, helps us understand the pain that Noor’s family carries. In the beautiful city of Jaffa, we see Sharif’s life shattered by violence. His refusal to leave, despite the advancing Israeli forces, reflects the experiences of many families who lost everything and were forced to flee as their homes and lands were confiscated, forever altering their futures. Sharif’s eventual capture and imprisonment resulted in physical and emotional scars that would last for decades.

The film takes us through the years 1948, 1978, 1988, and 2022, illustrating how the trauma of the Nakba and occupation is not confined to a single time period. This journey shapes not only Noor’s actions but also the relationships within his family across generations. Sharif’s influence is felt strongly in Noor’s life through the complexities of family ties, the weight of generational trauma, and the ongoing presence of occupation, contributing to Noor’s evolution from a fearful child to a determined teenager actively participating in protests.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is its depiction of how the occupation affects everyday life. The subtle yet pervasive impacts on all areas of existence — how it distorts relationships, obstructs dreams, and fosters resistance — are portrayed with heart-wrenching authenticity. Dabis illustrates that the occupation is not merely a political or territorial issue; it’s deeply personal, infiltrating families, identities, and lives.

The performances in All That’s Left of You, particularly Dabis’s portrayal of Noor’s mother, are outstanding. Saleh Bakri’s depiction of Salim, Noor’s father, shows the conflict between wanting to move on and the difficulty of forgetting. Adam and Mohammad Bakri bring Sharif to life with quiet strength, showcasing how the past continues to resonate in the present. Muhammad Abed Elrahman, as Noor, embodies a strong desire for justice while also illustrating the pain of a young person burdened by the weight of history.

What makes this film so moving is its subtle yet powerful exploration of resistance and resilience. The film poses important questions: What remains when everything is taken from you? How do you find hope in the face of continuous loss? Through Noor’s journey and the reflections of his family’s past, we witness the answers unfold. The past is never truly gone; it continues to influence the present and shape the future.

All That’s Left of You is a profound masterpiece that serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle for justice, the sacrifices made, and the painful legacy of the Israeli occupation. This film is a work of art that highlights the rich and painful history of Palestine, allowing us to grasp not only the political aspects but also the deeply human costs of conflict. In a world that often seeks to forget or ignore these struggles, Dabis’ film compels us to listen, reflect, and never forget.