Mike Smith
Death Without Mercy is a harrowing documentary chronicling the immediate aftermath of the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023. Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab (For Sama), the film follows two Syrian families as they navigate through the tragedy, revealing corruption, government incompetence, and the struggle for survival. This deeply moving documentary is a tribute to the thousands of lives lost and the resilience of those left behind.
How to watch Death Without Mercy documentary outside the US on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME
To watch Death Without Mercy outside the US, use a premium VPN to connect to a US server and access Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. Once connected, visit the Paramount+ website or app, sign in, or subscribe if needed. This allows you to stream the documentary without regional restrictions.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a US-based server.
- Open Paramount+ website or launch its app, then login or sign up for a new account.
- You are all set to watch Death Without Mercy from outside the US restriction-free!
When Does Death Without Mercy Premiere?
The documentary premiered at the Sheffield Doc/Fest in 2024, with a limited theatrical release at IFC Center from October 11 to October 17, 2024. It is set to be available for streaming on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME on February 6, 2025.
Where to Watch Death Without Mercy
You can watch Death Without Mercy exclusively on Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. You need to add the SHOWTIME plan to your Paramount+ subscription to watch the documentary.
Plot
On February 6, 2023, at 4:17 AM local time, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northeastern Syria, leaving entire cities in ruins. The disaster claimed over 50,000 lives and exposed severe issues in infrastructure and governmental response.
Death Without Mercy follows two Syrian families as they search for loved ones in the days following the catastrophe. Using a mix of first-person footage, drone imagery, news reports, and CCTV recordings, the documentary presents a chronological narrative of the earthquake’s impact. As survivors dig through the rubble with their bare hands, they uncover deeper issues of corruption, poor construction practices, and the failures of relief efforts. The film highlights the resilience of affected communities and the desperate need for accountability and justice.
Cast and Crew
- Director: Waad Al-Kateab
- Producers: Ben de Pear, Lawrence Elman, Hasan Kattan, Sophie Daniel
- Executive Producers: Sheila Nevins, Nina L. Diaz, Liza Burnett Fefferman, Nick Fraser, Duncan Heath, Leopold Hoesch, Barbara Truyen, Hasan Kattan, Mayar Al-Bakkar
- Editor: Agnieszka Liggett
- Cinematographer: Fadi Alhalabi
- Sound Designers: Paul Zanders, Nick Clapham
Can You Watch Death Without Mercy Online for Free?
You can watch Death Without Mercy (2025) for free by signing up for a seven-day free trial of Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. After the trial period ends, a subscription is required to continue streaming the documentary.
Is Death Without Mercy Suitable for All Ages?
Given its graphic depiction of disaster aftermath, Death Without Mercy is not recommended for young children. The film includes distressing footage of collapsed buildings, survivor struggles, and emotional testimonies. Viewer discretion is advised.
What Happened During the 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake?
The February 6, 2023 earthquake was one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern history. Measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, the quake devastated southern Turkey and northern Syria, reducing cities like Antakya, Gaziantep, and Hatay to rubble.
The disaster highlighted multiple failures:
- Many structures collapsed due to substandard construction and lack of enforcement of building codes.
- Initial rescue efforts were slow, forcing civilians to rely on each other for survival.
- Reports revealed that bribes had been paid to overlook unsafe construction, leading to unnecessary deaths.
- Over 50,000 lives were lost, with thousands more injured and displaced.
FAQs
1. Who is the director of Death Without Mercy?
The film is directed by Waad Al-Kateab, known for her Academy Award-nominated documentary For Sama.
2. How long is Death Without Mercy?
The documentary has a runtime of 84 minutes.
3. Where was Death Without Mercy filmed?
The film was shot across various locations in Turkey and Syria, utilizing firsthand footage from survivors, news broadcasts, and drone imagery.
4. Does Death Without Mercy include real survivor footage?
Yes, the documentary incorporates raw footage captured by survivors, journalists, and rescue teams during the earthquake and its aftermath.
5. Is Death Without Mercy available worldwide?
Yes, Death Without Mercy is available globally through Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, and it premiered in select film festivals before its official release.
6. How does Death Without Mercy compare to For Sama?
Both films, directed by Waad Al-Kateab, focus on personal stories of survival amid tragedy. For Sama documented life in war-torn Syria, while Death Without Mercy exposes the human toll of natural disasters compounded by systemic failures.
7. Will Death Without Mercy be available on DVD or Blu-ray?
While there is no official announcement, it may be released on physical media or digital purchase options in the future.
8. Are there any resources to help earthquake survivors?
Yes, organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Choose Love, and the Red Crescent provide aid to affected communities. Viewers moved by the documentary can donate or get involved in relief efforts.
Death Without Mercy Trailer
Check out the trailer for the documentary here.
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