Review: The White Helmets

We all know that the current political climate in Syria is a messy one, however, do you really know the extent of the damage?

Netflix have brought out a documentary entitled The White Helmets, which truly gives an insight to the horrors that are occurring every day. Despite seeing reports on the news, or reading an article on the BBC, I am unsure that we here in the UK fully appreciate the appalling situation, and it is quite shocking.

The White Helmets, also known as the Syrian Civil Defence, are a group of incredible volunteers across Syria who rush to bombsites as soon as possible to clear the rubble and save civilians from the wreckage. With bombs dropping multiple times every day it is tireless work for this group of unbelievably inspiring locals who have given up their day jobs to help the innocent people unfortunate enough to be living in the bomb-stricken towns that are constantly being bombarded from the air.

In an utterly harrowing 40-minute documentary, we follow the White Helmets as they race to recent bombsites as they are the first to arrive to horrifying scenes. As the viewer, you will first-hand experience the panic, tears, blood and pain of the victims as the White Helmets frantically dig through the rubble to try and find survivors.

Please be warned; this isn’t a documentary for the faint-hearted as it contains immensely upsetting scenes; you will see the pinnacle of human grief and the sheer pain of losing someone you love. However, it is an amazing insight into the bravery and courage of these Syrian volunteers, and an important piece to highlight the necessity to do all we can to both aid these people and bring this war to an abrupt end.

Have a look at a trailer here.