Having only read the synopsis and not the original book, the tone and focus of the film come as an unexpected surprise. Instead of a survival tale, it presents a family drama that explores the value we place on our own lives and those of others.

The story unfolds through an unconventional structure that keeps you on your toes, making you question whether certain scenes are real or imagined. A delicate piano score preserves the tenderness at the heart of the plot, even though it’s paired with an underwhelming twofold love story.

Several scenes suffer from overacting by three of the four lead actors. The sole consistent performance is delivered by Ramzy Bedia, whose outwardly stoic yet inwardly caring portrayal of the arbiter stands well above the standard set by his companions.