As we kick off the 2026 festival season, the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has once again proven to be the breeding ground for the year’s most unsettling and emotionally resonant cinema. Standing tall among the pack is the world premiere of Why Do I See You in Everything?, the debut feature from Brussels-based Syrian artist Rand Abou Fakher. While the title might sound like a tragic romance, make no mistake: this is a film that navigates the deepest, darkest trenches of the human psyche, where grief becomes a literal haunting.
A Haunting Exploration of Grief as a Daily Reality
According to reports from the Hollywood Reporter, Why Do I See You in Everything? was forged in the fires of personal and collective trauma. Abou Fakher has stated that the project was born from a period where "death had become almost ordinary." For horror fans, this concept of the 'normalization of death' provides a terrifying foundation for psychological storytelling. When the boundary between the living and the dead thins not because of a ritual or a curse, but because of the sheer frequency of loss, the resulting atmosphere is one of inescapable dread.
The film doesn't rely on jump scares or traditional monsters. Instead, it leans into the 'elevated horror' tropes of atmospheric weight and the persistence of memory. The 'seeing' referenced in the title suggests a manifestation of trauma that lingers in every corner of the protagonist’s vision. In the horror genre, grief is often depicted as a monster in the basement, but here, it seems to be woven into the very fabric of existence, making the world itself the haunted house.
Redefining Masculinity Through the Lens of Resistance
What sets this film apart from its contemporaries is its specific focus on male tenderness as a form of resistance. In a genre that often rewards masculine stoicism or punishes it with violent outbursts, Abou Fakher chooses a different path. By zooming in on the vulnerability of its male leads, the film suggests that the act of feeling—deeply and openly—is the only way to combat a world that has become desensitized to the end of life.
This thematic choice adds a layer of 'social horror' to the proceedings. It asks the audience to consider the horror of a society where tenderness is an act of rebellion. For those who follow the evolution of psychological thrillers, this shift toward radical vulnerability is reminiscent of the emotional core found in works like The Babadook or Hereditary, yet viewed through a distinct geopolitical lens that only a filmmaker of Abou Fakher’s background could provide.
Why Horror Fans Should Pay Attention
While categorized as a drama by some, the exclusive trailer reveals a visual language that screams psychological horror. High-contrast shadows, lingering shots of empty spaces that feel occupied, and a soundscape that pulses with the rhythm of anxiety all point to a viewing experience that will leave audiences looking over their shoulders. As the film moves through the festival circuit, we expect the buzz to grow among the 'Horror-Verified' crowd who crave substance alongside their scares.
The debut of Why Do I See You in Everything? marks a significant moment for Syrian cinema on the global stage, proving that the most effective way to process the horrors of reality is through the transformative power of the camera lens. Keep your eyes on ScreamDesk for further updates on a wide release date, as this is one haunting you won’t want to miss.