Incendies deals with the trace of war and history on an individual through Nawal, who goes through an unimaginable tragedy as a woman amid a historic whirlpool. The director uses ambiguity in where the story takes place to emphasize that the tragedy is not confined to a nation but carries universality over space-time. The dramatic shock towards the end of the plot serves as an element for the audience to realize the gruesomeness of war.

​​In Beirut, five women meet regularly in a beauty salon, a colorful and sensual microcosm of the city where several generations come into contact, talk and confide in each other. Layale loves Rabih, but Rabih is married. Nisrine is Muslim and her forthcoming marriage poses a problem: she is no longer a virgin. Rima is tormented by her attraction to women and especially to this lovely client with long hair. Jamale is refusing to grow old. Rose has sacrificed her life to take care of her elderly sister. In the salon, their intimate and liberated conversations revolve around men, sex and motherhood, between haircuts and sugar waxing with caramel.