Our Rating: 7/10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
| Movie | The Stories |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 18 June 2026 |
| Genre | Drama |
| Director | Abu Bakr Shawky |
| Cast | Amir El-Masry, Valerie Pachner, Nelly Karim, Ahmed Kamal, Khaled Mokhtar |
| Language | Arabic |
The Stories, directed by Abu Bakr Shawky, has arrived in theatres on 18 June 2026 after a strong festival run. The Egyptian-Austrian co-production stars Amir El-Masry as Ahmed, with Valerie Pachner, Nelly Karim and Ahmed Kamal in key roles.
It follows a family across several decades and has already picked up an Audience Award at Austria’s Diagonale festival. The film traces Ahmed’s life from the late 1960s into the 1980s. It shows his personal relationships, family bonds and quiet ambitions unfolding alongside the political and social changes in Egypt.
The story stays intimate, focusing on everyday moments, love across cultures and the small victories and losses that shape ordinary lives. Early audience reactions from festival screenings have been largely warm. Many viewers praised the sincere performances, especially El-Masry’s grounded lead turn and the lived-in chemistry of the ensemble.
Family scenes full of humour, tension and unspoken understanding stood out for audiences, as did the way the film folds Egypt’s history into personal stories without feeling forced. The sensory details of the period — sounds, music and changing surroundings — also left a strong impression.
Some viewers, however, felt the film leans too heavily into sentimentality. A few found certain emotional moments predictable or overly heightened. The two-hour length drew occasional comments about slower stretches that require patience.
Overall, the sentiment among those who saw it at festivals remains positive, with most appreciating its honest, character-driven approach over flashy storytelling. The Stories will appeal most to viewers who enjoy thoughtful international dramas and stories rooted in real cultural and historical settings.
Its strengths lie in the authentic performances, warm family dynamics and respectful handling of personal history against a larger backdrop. Its main weaknesses are occasional sentimentality and a deliberate pace that may not suit everyone.
For fans of reflective world cinema, it is worth catching in theatres while it is fresh. Casual viewers or those preferring faster entertainment might find it more comfortable on streaming later.
Final Verdict: The Stories is a sincere family drama that connects personal love and resilience with Egypt’s recent past through strong performances and emotional honesty. While its sentimental tone and unhurried pace divide some viewers, festival audiences have embraced its authenticity. It offers a meaningful theatrical experience for those open to thoughtful, character-focused international cinema.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.