Watch Costa Brava, Lebanon

Costa Brava, Lebanon, released in 2021, is a poignant drama that beautifully intertwines the personal with the political, set against a backdrop of social and environmental issues. Directed by Mounia Akl, the film stars Lebanese actress Nadine Labaki, renowned for her role in and direction of the Oscar-nominated film "Capernaum," along with the talented actors Saleh Bakri and Yumna Marwan. This cinematic gem explores the intricate layers of family life while also commenting on larger societal themes related to freedom, change, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Set in the near future, the film takes viewers to the secluded mountain home of the Badri family, where complexity unfolds within their peaceful existence away from the chaos of Lebanese urban life. The head of the family, Walid, portrayed by Saleh Bakri, is driven by his ideals and deep desire to protect his family from the corruption and pollution of the city. Together with his wife, Souraya, played by Nadine Labaki, and their children, they've crafted their Eden, far from the turmoil that plagues Lebanon.

The narrative revolves around the family's simple, self-sustaining lifestyle that starkly contrasts the political and environmental degradation in the city they left behind. This life includes an eco-conscious ethos that Walid fervently imparts upon his family, a commitment to maintaining a farm that provides their sustenance, and an educational foundation rooted in both traditional and progressive ideas, fostering a sense of responsible freedom within their children.

Tensions arise when an unexpected challenge confronts the Badris. The Lebanese government begins construction on a new landfill site, alarmingly close to their pastoral haven – a grotesque reminder of the outside world's problems and a direct threat to their idyllic life. This looming crisis tests the resilience of their sanctuary, challenging the family's convictions and forcing them to confront the hard choices about their future.

Through this lens, Costa Brava, Lebanon examines the dilemmas faced by those who seek to escape society's ills, underscoring the conflict between idealism and practicality. Walid, a man steadfast in his principles, experiences the friction between his deeply ingrained convictions and the impact of external forces that threaten to unravel everything he holds dear.

Souraya, a former singer, balances her support for her husband's vision with her own needs and aspirations, demonstrating the intricate role of a partner in a shared story of endurance and adaptation. With a nuanced performance, Labaki encapsulates the internal conflict of a woman who is at once the bedrock of her family and an individual with unfulfilled dreams.

The couple's children, meanwhile, represent the bridge between the private world created by their parents and the outside society from which they've been largely shielded. Their innocence and innate curiosity underscore the film's exploration of themes such as the inheritance of legacy and the shaping of identity against a backdrop of adult complexities.

Emotionally charged and visually stunning, the cinematography of Costa Brava, Lebanon mirrors the divergent beauty and decay of its setting. The lush natural landscapes of the family's home contrast sharply with the encroaching pollution of the nearby landfill, offering a metaphoric view of the challenges that arise from balanced, sustainable living in a world plagued by environmental and political disregard.

With a thoughtful narrative structure, the film successfully weaves together moments of subtle humor, profound drama, and intense familial interactions, all the while maintaining a grip on the overarching themes of defiance and the search for autonomy. It presents a thoughtful and very human commentary on the challenges of maintaining integrity and idealism in the face of societal failure.

Further elevating the film is its soundtrack, which punctuates emotional beats within the story with an evocative blend of local and instrumental music. This aural landscape serves as an additional character within the film, enriching the narrative and endearing the viewer even more deeply to the unfolding story.

Costa Brava, Lebanon is a narrative achievement that bravely tackles themes of environmental activism, familial bonds, and the constant battle between idealism and reality. It holds a mirror up to the struggles within Lebanon, yet its core message resonates universally – reflecting the delicate balance between human desires, environmental responsibilities, and cultural identity. This heartfelt and thoughtful film is not only a testament to the talent of the individuals who brought it to life but also to the enduring spirit of humanity in times of adversity.

Costa Brava, Lebanon is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 80.