Written by Indi Hajeski, Photo courtesy of SCAD
Documentaries have the extraordinary power to show the audience what the world is really like. There is no rest for the crew, as the ability to reveal this truth is undoubtedly dangerous. “The Cave” reminds us of this as we are shown the horrors that continue in Syria.
The first minute shakes the entire theatre in order to introduce the restless lives of the doctors. “The Cave” deserves the same praise as films like “Saving Private Ryan” and “Dunkirk” with its excellent sound design. The roaring planes and rumbling bombs surround the theatre making the warzone feel like it’s only a few blocks away. The noise gives the documentary the perfect feeling of unrest, as every loud bang makes the doctors and audience jump, even if it is someone chopping up vegetables.
We get used to the noise inside the city but not comfortable, as an hour into the movie, the noise seems to become part of the background, but whenever a plane flies by the audience along with the doctors pray that the bomb doesn’t strike the hospital.
The bleak atmosphere is terrifying and overwhelming but it allows us to breathe every once in awhile with phone calls and smoke breaks. Every doctor shares the same qualities of kindness and generosity, along with intimate conversations that are led by their legitimate concern for their safety. Their conversations always reveal something new about themselves, whether it’s confusion of the atrocities they face, or guilt of not giving enough to their patients.
The managing physician, Dr. Amani Balfour, shows strength through her resilience as she combats the stress of an under supplied hospital, and working in a patriarchal society. Dr. Ballour has a moment where she comforts a young patient, admitting she gets scared by the warplanes flying by. It’s a wonderful scene that shows the trauma of war survivors, as well as the effects that compassion has on others.
“The Cave” is a triumph for documentaries, as it pushes the boundaries of an immersive experience while also being brutally honest. It seeks to reveal the whole truth knowing that it will shock its audience, but it has to in order to recognize the suffering of people and the charitable work within Syria. Underneath its bleak outlook “The Cave” tells a story about the power of people working towards a brighter future.
