Costa Brava, Lebanon

Review by: Sonia Caballero Pradas

The Short:

A couple decides to leave the toxic pollution of their home city of Beirut, hoping to build a utopian existence in a pristine home in the mountains.

The Long:

“Costa Brava” talks about the story of Soraya and Walid, featured by the well-known Lebanese actress and director Nadine Labaki and the Palestinian actor Saleh Bakri, a couple who decides to raise their daughters in a rural and isolated area due to the horrendous garbage crisis, pollution and incessant violence in the capital, Beirut. Growing their own food and self-administrating their resources, even if it is in solitude, seems the only possibility to afford to live in a country about to collapse, a reality that not only the characters but also many Lebanese have had to embrace because of political corruption and consequent inflation.

To watch or not to watch:

Watch it! Totally recommend this film for its portrayal of Lebanese society, struggles, and connection points. Also, read this further article reflecting on the recent disasters in Lebanon and the atmosphere that has happened in the country in comparison with the plot of this movie.