In Flames

At the end of In Flames, Mariyam’s journey reveals how deep-seated trauma and societal violence haunt the women of Pakistan, symbolized through the ghostly figures that appear around her. These figures are not merely figments of her imagination but represent her father and other male figures from her past, whose violence and oppression have left lasting scars. Mariyam’s father, a ghostly presence to both her and her mother, embodies the trauma of domestic violence, hinting that such abuse is a ghost that refuses to stay buried. Interestingly, her grandfather, who was upright and morally sound, is not haunted by ghosts, suggesting that the cycle of trauma is driven by toxic masculinity rather than tradition itself.

Throughout the film, Mariyam’s relationship with her mother Fariha is central. Both women have absorbed the toxic lessons of tolerating abuse and silence, a common cultural trait. However, as the story progresses, they find their strength in mutual solidarity. Fariha, recognizing her daughter’s pain, shares her own hard-earned wisdom about overcoming trauma, becoming a protective figure who defies the threatening male ghosts. The film ultimately offers a message of resilience: even in a society weighed down by violence and patriarchy, women can reclaim their voices, their identities, and their power. The ending suggests that, through their shared strength and understanding, Mariyam and Fariha can begin to break free from the cycle of horror, signifying hope for a future where women refuse to be haunted by the ghosts of their past.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:02