Cherien Dabis crafts a script that is not only well paced, but one that seamlessly moves between the present day and the late 1940s, when Israel first became a nation. The film effortlessly intertwines these timelines, creating a narrative that feels fluid rather than fragmented.
All That’s Left Of You is the second film released recently to explore the long-standing political and military tensions between Israel and Palestine. Initially, I believed the film to be based on specific historical events. While the characters themselves are fictional, the film is deeply rooted in lived experience — shaped by real political events, displacement, and the realities of war. That grounding is what gives the film its sense of authenticity, allowing the story to feel immediate and real.
Unlike The Voice of Hind Rajab, which tells the true story of a recent tragedy, All That’s Left Of You takes a broader approach. The political events depicted are historically accurate, but the narrative unfolds across three generations, spanning decades of Palestinian history. By structuring the film around many moments rather than a single defining event, Dabis offers a more expansive and inclusive perspective on the consequences of ongoing conflict, particularly for innocent children and families caught in its wake.
Too often, films rooted in personal or political history fall into a biased lens — one side is victimized, the other villainized. All That’s Left Of You resists that impulse. The camera acts as an impartial observer, allowing the story to speak for itself rather than guiding the audience toward a predetermined conclusion.
There is one scene in particular that puts this approach to the test: a direct conversation between a Jewish character and a Palestinian character. The exchange is layered and complex, extending beyond borders and politics and grounding itself in shared humanity. While both characters clearly differ in opinion, the film never positions one as morally righteous over the other. Instead, it allows common ground to surface naturally, offering a rare moment of clarity and empathy.
This balance is achieved largely through Dabis’ direction. Also serving as the film’s writer, she demonstrates an impressive command over tone, structure, and pacing. All That’s Left Of You is her strongest work to date, a film that never rushes itself and never wastes a moment. Even in scenes where little appears to be happening on the surface, every frame contributes to character and story.
Handling multiple timelines decades apart is no small task, especially when the narrative constantly moves back and forth between past and present. Yet Dabis navigates this structure with precision. Not a single moment feels muddled or disjointed, and the film never loses its emotional throughline. The confidence of the direction ensures that each era remains distinct while still feeling part of a cohesive whole.
The film’s cinematography is equally affecting. The handheld, close-cut camerawork during riot scenes evokes a sense of unease and instability, pulling the viewer directly into the chaos. These moments are contrasted with wide shots of the ocean and tranquil sunsets — images that symbolize peace and harmony after a lifetime marked by struggle. Medium shots, carefully framed, capture moments of violence and emotional intensity without sensationalizing them. Cinematographer Christopher Aoun uses movement and composition to heighten emotion subtly, never forcing the point.
The score is soft and thoughtfully placed, often hiding in plain sight. It never overwhelms a scene or draws attention to itself, allowing the film’s true centerpiece — its characters — to remain front and center.
Those characters are brought to life by a remarkable cast. Cherien Dabis herself delivers a strong performance as Hannah, further reinforcing the deeply personal nature of the project. It is clear this film is a passion project for her; she maintains a firm grip on every aspect of the storytelling, never losing focus or intent.
Saleh Bakri, who plays Salim, is a standout. While his character may initially appear straightforward, Bakri brings a quiet depth and emotional complexity to the role that lingers long after the film ends. Though I am not deeply familiar with his previous work, his performance here leaves no doubt that he is an actor worth closely following.
All That’s Left Of You is a film that understands the weight of history without allowing it to overshadow the human stories at its center. Through measured direction, thoughtful performances, and a refusal to simplify complex realities, Cherien Dabis delivers a film that feels both intimate and expansive — a rare balance, handled with care and confidence.