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When broaching delicate subjects such as sexuality, trauma, or mental health, the distinction between meta function and exploitation becomes notably subtle. Rita Baghdadi’s latest documentary, Sirens, aptly exemplifies this delicate balance as it delves into the realm of Slave to Sirens — Lebanon’s inaugural all-female metal band. Following its premiere at Sundance, Sirens immerses viewers in the lives of the band’s pioneers, Shery Bechara and Lilas Mayassi, offering a deeply personal narrative. Rather than merely a rock documentary, Sirens portrays the struggle of existing within an outcast alt-scene in a city overshadowed by perpetual political turmoil. Its reception is further compounded by identity politics, adding another layer of complexity.
A Glimpse into Sirens: Beyond the Music
From the outset, it is evident that Sirens diverges from the conventional rock documentary format. While snippets of the band’s performances are interspersed throughout the film, the primary focus lies in unraveling the gendered dynamics that impede the girls’ professional and personal growth. The documentary sheds light on the experiences of queer women in Lebanon, depicting the challenges of concealing relationships and navigating societal norms that criminalize queerness. Moreover, Sirens delves into Lebanon’s volatile political landscape, particularly amidst the country’s 2019 revolution, offering a personalized account that steers clear of sensationalism. Baghdadi adeptly captures the essence of five women grappling with adversity while striving to pursue their musical aspirations against all odds.
Exploring Nuances and Missed Opportunities
While Sirens serves as a poignant tribute to Lebanon’s youth and their resilience, certain nuances within the documentary may elude viewers unfamiliar with the country’s recent history. The film assumes a level of prior knowledge regarding Lebanon’s timeline from 2019 to 2020, inadvertently obscuring crucial contextual details that could enhance the audience’s understanding. For instance, the documentary touches upon the ban imposed on Mashrou’ Leila, a prominent Lebanese music group, due to its openly gay members, yet fails to fully convey the gravity of this event and its impact on the youth and queer community. By bridging these gaps in knowledge, Sirens could have heightened the urgency of the girls’ struggles and fostered a deeper connection with international audiences.
In essence, Sirens serves as a compelling exploration of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of music amidst adversity. By delving into the complexities of gender, sexuality, and political upheaval, the documentary offers a poignant reflection on the struggles faced by marginalized communities in Lebanon’s tumultuous landscape. Through intimate storytelling and candid portrayals, Sirens invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and confront the inherent tensions between artistic expression and social constraints.
Analysis of Trauma Exploitation in Sirens
Regrettably, Sirens includes a scene from the Beirut blast that’s largely insensitive. The documentary’s decision to drown itself in trauma exploitation at that moment was a crude, overshadowing misstep in an otherwise well-balanced storytelling. The editing decision that cut to the blast out of nowhere, played it in excruciatingly slow motion, and then faded out with metal music playing in the background creates a giant jump-scare for anyone who has experienced the blast.
Personal Reflections and Universality in Sirens
All that being said, watching a youth I once was a part of, and all the events that drove me out of it, was in many ways a visceral catharsis. Baghdadi welded a looking glass into my own life, and confronted me with intimate memories that I never thought I’d see in a theater in New York, miles and miles away from home. The film is a profound tribute to movies and all the ways they can take you home, and back again.
Admittedly, a large part of why I enjoyed Sirens was that sheer subjectivity. We often talk about how “representation matters,” but we often forget just how much it rings true until we’ve experienced it ourselves. Sirens’ greatest success is bringing that right to your face and forcing you to confront it. While the film is wholeheartedly Lebanese, the specificity of its subject matter doesn’t eclipse the universality of its heart. It’s a film about sisterhood, loving your best friend, figuring things out with your mom, trying to make sense of a changing you, and wrapping yourself up in the hope that it’ll all get better.
Sirens is now playing in select theaters across the country.
