Trees of Peace, an English film stars Ella Cannon as Peyton, Bola Koleosho as Muteshi, Charmaine Bingwa as Jeanette, Eliane Umuhire as Annick and Tongayi Chirisa as Francois, is now out on Netflix. The 1 hour 38 minutes film is written and directed by Alanna Brown. The film is inspired by the true events of April 1994, during the Genocide against the Tutsi community in Rwanda.
The synopsis reads, “Four women from different backgrounds forge an unbreakable sisterhood while trapped and in hiding during the genocide in Rwanda.”
Netflix Film Trees of Peace Review Contains No Spoilers
In Trees of Peace on Netflix, the men of the Hutu community committed genocide against the Tutsi community in Rwanda in April 1994. From raping their women to slaughtering their men and children, the Hutus did everything to get read of the Tutsi. No one was spared, and anyone from the Hutu clan helping them also met the same fate.
Annick, a Hutu woman, provides shelter for 3 different women – Peyton, Muteshi and Jeanette during the attacks. They all hide inside the underground food storage basement in her kitchen. Hutu’s husband Francois ensures that everything will be fine once the UN intervenes. He promises his wife Annick that he’ll come within a day to rescue all of them.
Days pass by, and there’s no sign of help. The women are locked inside the underground storage that opens only from the outside. Through the small window, they watch the Hutu men commit heinous crimes on the others. They do everything in their capacity to survive the deadly horror of war they’re witnessing. From reading the Trees of Peace book to confessions to fights and unity, the film shows everything that happens on the other side of the war.
Trees of Peace is entirely shot inside the confined space of the underground storage. Director Alanna Brown has managed to give us chills with everything that’s happening with the characters. The constant question of whether the women will make it out alive or not eats you up till the end. The ending will stay with you for a long time.
Actors Eliane Umuhire, Bola Koleosho, Charmaine Bingwa and Ella Cannon are brilliant with their portrayal of the fear, uncertainty and trauma of their characters. It’s a waiting game not only for them but also for the viewers. One can only imagine how they must have filmed the distressing story in such a small space.
Netflix’s Trees of Peace Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, Trees of Peace shows us the emotional and mental damage due to the killings and wars. There are many such stories from Rwanda that are heartbreaking. It’s a disturbing tale of survival that’s uncomfortable and chilling to watch. The 1994 genocide changed Rwanda’s history forever. It’s a great insight into Rwanda’s history, which few people might know.
Watch the film on Netflix.
Also Read: Jurassic World Dominion Review: Reunion of the Old, New and the Dinosaurs Fail to Create an Uproar