'The Stories' Review: Unlikely Bond Between Two Individuals Uncovers Egypt's Recent History

Ahmed (Amir El-Masry) is part of an Egyptian family perpetually shadowed by misfortune. Their favorite soccer team never manages a victory, despite the households peculiar rituals and superstitions. Even when luck seems to favor them, anxiety about potential setbacks constantly lingers.

In The Stories, writer-director Abu Bakr Shawky (Yomeddine) chronicles the customs and struggles of Ahmeds family, centering on the true-life tale of his parents pen-pal relationship between Egypt and Austria. The film emerges as a melodramatic yet tender portrayal of both a family and a nation navigating complex times.

When we first meet Ahmed, he is one of three sons, with his mother expecting another child. He dreams of becoming a classical pianist. Through a magazine advertisement, he begins exchanging letters with Elizabeth (Valerie Pachner), a young woman in Vienna, sharing vivid accounts of his chaotic household. The films ensemble castincluding uncles and neighborsfills the confined spaces of their middle-class apartment, capturing the intimate, often hectic dynamics of daily life.

Shawky often romanticizes these circumstances, turning what might appear precarious to outsiders into moments of charm and warmth. The narrative is divided into chapters spanning decades of Egypts history, from the 1960s to the 1990s, covering wars with Israel, a presidential assassination, and social unrest stemming from economic policies. These events are not mere backdrops; they actively shape the characters experiences. Ahmeds twin brother Hassan (Ahmad El-Azaar) is drafted as an interpreter, while their father (Ahmed Kamal), a bureaucrat, constantly fears job loss or public embarrassment. Local superstitions, like the belief that a photo with the president can advance ones career, add a layer of cultural specificity and humor, particularly when Ahmed travels to Austria on a piano scholarship and meets Elizabeth.

While Elizabeths father initially doubts the compatibility of their relationship, resistance to their romance remains minimal, reflecting an idealized view. The film captures the emotional duality experienced by those living abroadhalf of their thoughts remain with those left behind. Following a tragedy, Ahmed returns to Egypt, eventually joined by Elizabeth.

El-Masry delivers a compelling performance as Ahmed, a gentle and sincere man grappling with missed opportunities. The familys emotional intensity can feel exaggerated, yet it conveys the closeness of their bonds. Intimate living arrangements, a father sleeping alongside adult children, and a lonely uncle embraced as part of the family emphasize Shawkys depiction of a culture rich in sentiment.

Although much of the story unfolds within the apartment, Shawky conveys the passage of time through thoughtful design, including the visible decay of a statue of a historical heroine outside the building. Despite limited locations, the film conveys a sense of breadth and historical depth.

However, the perspectives of women, including Elizabeth and Ahmeds mother, are underexplored. Elizabeths storyline is largely defined by her discovery of notebooks where Ahmeds mother recorded family stories and daily wonders. Consequently, the film centers more on Ahmeds personal growth and understanding of his world than on bridging distinct cultural viewpoints.

The film concludes with moments of fleeting triumph for Ahmed and his family, highlighting the interplay of struggle and joy. Even minor victories are rendered profoundly satisfying against the backdrop of their ongoing challenges.

Author: Grace Ellison