One of the most devastating documentaries that have ever been filmed, “Death Without Mercy” has been scheduled to release in the United States on Showtime. It’s been only 2 years since the 2023 Southern Turkey earthquake and noted filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab (“For Sama”) has completed his work of factual reporting for all to see. It’s a compelling experience in the realm of natural disasters like the Tsunami that leveled a number of countries in the India Ocean in 2004.
Life and death were in the balance when a slam bam earthquake hit Gaziantep in south central Turkey that is home to thousands of Syrian refugees *(1) on February 6, 2023. It leveled hundreds of homes killing over 50,000 people. But, there was more to it than just the big loss of life as those that survived jumped into action saving many lives that were buried in the rubble.
Waad Al-Kateab, director and writer of the documentary gathered the videos taken by people who were on the scene and put them together with archived footage. The film gives the viewer and up-close view of the damage in action and the sorrowful aftermath. Tears and some cheers are witnessed as families were pulled alive from the fallen buildings. But it wasn’t enough calming to elevate the effect of the thousands of bodies that were being buried in makeshift graves.
“Death Without Mercy” will be shown in the USA on Paramount + with Showtime. It is stark realism and a sad memorial in the one hour and a half presentation. The film contains mass destruction and death so be cautious when deciding to allow immature children to see the movie. It’s a 5 out of 5 star production for adults and mature teens.
Additional Film Information:
Directed and written by: Waad Al-Kateab
Genre: Documentary
MPAA Rating: Not Rated contains death and destruction
Running Time: 1hr. 25 min.
Opening Date: February 6, 2025
Distributed by: MTV Documentary Films
Released in: Paramount + with Showtime
Footnote: *(1) CDP “Center for Disaster Philanthropy.”
