On Her Shoulders 2018

Biography

Documentary

Box Office

$40K

Runtime

95 min

Language

English

Directed by

Alexandria Bombach

Made by

Oscilloscope Laboratories

Test your knowledge of On Her Shoulders with our quiz!

On Her Shoulders Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for On Her Shoulders (2018). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

After enduring the brutal genocide of the Yazidi community in Northern Iraq in 2014 and escaping from the clutches of ISIS’s sexual slavery, Nadia Murad found herself at the center of the global stage, presenting her compelling testimony to the U.N. Security Council. This act not only spotlighted Nadia but also positioned her as a representative of the Yazidis, a minority group historically marginalized and victimized. Despite her desire for a return to normalcy, she courageously embraced the role of an activist, determined to end the ongoing genocide and hold ISIS commanders accountable.

Throughout her journey, Nadia recounts her traumatic experiences to journalists, politicians, and diplomats, transforming from an ordinary young woman into a prominent figure in advocacy. The film provides intimate access to her daily life, contrasting the often absurd realities of international politics with her personal struggle. It charts her extraordinary journey—from the refugee camps of Greece to emotionally charged media interviews and powerful speeches delivered before the U.N. These interactions expose the heavy toll her advocacy work takes on her, juxtaposed against her unwavering commitment to her cause.

As the narrative unfolds, we are offered glimpses into Nadia’s past, revealing a spirited girl who once aspired to open a beauty salon in her hometown. With each step through the complexities of bureaucracy, politics, and the burdens of newfound fame, the film explores the immense challenges that face a minority group desperately yearning to be heard. Filmmaker Alexandria Bombach presents Nadia’s journey with a formal precision that mirrors her composed and resolute character, skillfully highlighting an exhausting odyssey filled with personal anguish and urgent ethical concerns.

On Her Shoulders Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of On Her Shoulders (2018) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

The Genocide Begins

In 2014, ISIS launched a brutal genocide against the Yazidi community in Northern Iraq. This horrific campaign included mass killings, forced conversions, and sexual slavery, devastating the community and leaving countless survivors in despair.

2014 Northern Iraq

Nadia's Escape

Nadia Murad manages to escape from ISIS, fleeing the horrors of sexual slavery. Her experience marks the beginning of her transformation from victim to advocate, as she grapples with the traumatic memories of her captivity.

Arriving in Refugee Camps

After escaping, Nadia finds herself in a refugee camp in Greece. The camp serves as a temporary sanctuary where she begins to process her trauma and consider her next steps as an activist for her people.

Greece

Speaking to the U.N.

Nadia presents her testimony to the U.N. Security Council, sharing her harrowing experiences as a Yazidi woman. This pivotal moment elevates her status, causing her story to resonate on an international scale, making her a voice for her community.

United Nations

Becoming an Activist

Despite her yearning for a return to normalcy, Nadia embraces her role as an activist. She travels the world to speak on behalf of the Yazidi community, determined to end the genocide and seek justice for the victims.

Facing Bureaucratic Challenges

Throughout her advocacy journey, Nadia encounters numerous bureaucratic obstacles. The film portrays the frustration and complexities of navigating international politics while trying to bring attention to her community’s plight.

Media Interviews

Nadia participates in emotional media interviews, sharing her story with journalists and the public. These interactions help bring awareness to the ongoing suffering of the Yazidi community, but also take a heavy emotional toll on her.

Powerful Speeches

Nadia delivers powerful speeches at various international events, including the U.N. Her eloquence and passion captivate audiences, further solidifying her role as a vital advocate for human rights and justice.

Reflections on Her Past

The film offers glimpses into Nadia’s past, showcasing her as a spirited girl who aspired to open a beauty salon. These reflections highlight her lost dreams and the stark transformation forced upon her by the genocide.

Navigating Newfound Fame

As Nadia gains international recognition, she struggles with the burdens of fame. While her platform allows her to advocate for the Yazidi community, it also brings relentless scrutiny and emotional challenges.

Building Community Awareness

Nadia works tirelessly to raise awareness about the struggles of the Yazidi community. Through her efforts, she aims to educate the world about the atrocities faced by her people, forging connections with other advocates.

Seeking Justice for Victims

A central part of Nadia’s advocacy is her quest to hold ISIS commanders accountable for their crimes. She tirelessly campaigns for justice, believing that accountability is essential for healing and reconciliation.

Personal Toll of Advocacy

The film poignantly captures the emotional and psychological toll that advocacy takes on Nadia. Despite her commitment, she faces moments of despair as the weight of her mission and memories collide.

Continuing the Fight

Nadia remains dedicated to her cause, continuing to speak out against genocide and advocating for displaced communities. Her persistence is a testament to her resilience and unwavering commitment to justice.

On Her Shoulders Characters

Explore all characters from On Her Shoulders (2018). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Nadia Murad

Nadia Murad is a courageous activist who represents the Yazidi community after surviving the harrowing experiences of genocide and sexual slavery. Evolving from a victim to a prominent advocate, she works tirelessly to raise awareness and seek justice for her people. Her resilience and commitment shine through as she faces immense challenges in her fight for recognition and accountability.

🌟 Activist 💪 Resilience 📣 Advocacy

Alexandria Bombach

As the filmmaker, Alexandria Bombach captures Nadia's journey with a keen eye for detail and emotional depth. Her direction brings forth the complexities of documenting a personal and political narrative, allowing viewers to witness both the traumas and triumphs of her subject. Bombach’s work emphasizes the significance of storytelling in the face of injustice.

🎬 Filmmaker ✨ Storyteller

On Her Shoulders Settings

Learn where and when On Her Shoulders (2018) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

2014

The year 2014 marked a crucial period for the Yazidi community, as they faced brutal genocide at the hands of ISIS. This time is marked by widespread violence, humanitarian crises, and the emergence of global awareness regarding the plight of marginalized groups.

Location

Northern Iraq, Greece

Northern Iraq is the home of the Yazidi community, a place deeply scarred by the recent genocide and conflict involving ISIS. Greece serves as a refuge for many fleeing war, housing numerous refugee camps that witness the struggles of displaced people seeking safety and normalcy.

🌍 Location 🏕 Refugee Camps

On Her Shoulders Themes

Discover the main themes in On Her Shoulders (2018). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🕊️

Activism

The film highlights the theme of activism, showcasing Nadia Murad's extraordinary transformation from a victim to a global advocate. Her journey emphasizes the power of personal testimony in the fight against systemic injustice and genocide, inspiring others to join her cause.

💔

Trauma

Trauma is a pervasive theme explored in the narrative, as Nadia recounts her harrowing experiences under ISIS captivity and the impact on her psyche. The film captures the emotional toll her advocacy exacts, illustrating the struggle to reconcile her past with her present efforts.

⚖️

Justice

Justice is a central theme, depicting Nadia's quest to hold ISIS accountable for their atrocities. The film raises urgent ethical concerns about the ongoing genocide, showcasing the importance of institutional support in achieving accountability for crimes against humanity.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

On Her Shoulders Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of On Her Shoulders (2018). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.

In a world still trembling from the shadows of a recent atrocity, the film follows a young Yazidi woman who has stepped from the ruins of her hometown onto the global stage. Nadia Murad carries with her the weight of survival and the quiet strength of a community whose voice has long been silenced. Through intimate, handheld moments, the documentary frames her daily life—quiet mornings in a modest flat, restless travel across continents, and the relentless cadence of meetings that blend hope with bureaucracy.

The tone balances the stark reality of a refugee’s past with a luminous sense of purpose that refuses to dim. Light filters through airport terminals and conference rooms alike, underscoring how ordinary spaces become arenas for extraordinary advocacy. The cinematography lingers on the subtle expressions that reveal both fatigue and resolve, while a restrained score mirrors the quiet determination that propels her forward. The atmosphere is simultaneously urgent and contemplative, inviting viewers to feel the pulse of a woman who has transformed personal trauma into a catalyst for change.

At the heart of the story is a portrait of resilience: a former beauty‑salon dreamer turned global spokesperson, whose presence in front of diplomats and journalists feels both inevitable and astonishing. Her interactions are marked by a composed yet earnest demeanor, suggesting a deep well of inner calm that steadies those around her. The documentary’s structure offers a window into the juxtaposition of high‑level political corridors and the lingering intimacy of her personal reflections, highlighting how the grand and the granular coexist in her journey.

As the film unfolds, it paints a portrait of hope that is as fragile as it is powerful. The narrative invites audiences to witness not only the external challenges she confronts but also the quiet, unspoken battles that shape her resolve, leaving a lingering curiosity about how her unyielding spirit will continue to shape the world beyond the screen.

Can’t find your movie? Request a summary here.

Movies with Similar Twists and Themes

Uncover films that echo the narrative beats, emotional arcs, or dramatic twists of the one you're exploring. These recommendations are handpicked based on story depth, thematic resonance, and spoiler-worthy moments — perfect for fans who crave more of the same intrigue.