Stories We Tell Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Canadian actress makes a documentary to figure out if her dad is *really* her dad, and it turns into a therapy session for the whole family, complete with awkward reenactments and enough Canadian politeness to make your teeth hurt.

🍿 Stories We Tell: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction and Family History

The documentary begins with Sarah Polley interviewing her family members and friends, exploring the life and personality of her late mother, Diane Polley. Diane, who passed away from cancer when Sarah was young, is remembered as a vibrant and charismatic woman. The film utilizes home movies and interviews to paint a picture of Diane’s life, her marriage to Michael Polley, and her relationships with her children.

The Question of Sarah’s Paternity

As the interviews progress, the documentary shifts focus to a long-held family secret: the question of whether Michael Polley is Sarah’s biological father. The topic is approached with a mix of humor and seriousness, as family members recount the running joke that Sarah doesn’t resemble her siblings or father. This prompts Sarah to investigate further into her mother’s past, particularly a period when Diane was working in Montreal.

Unveiling the Truth

Sarah’s investigation leads her to uncover a love affair that Diane had while in Montreal with film producer Harry Gulkin. Through interviews and DNA testing, it is revealed that Gulkin is indeed Sarah’s biological father. The film then explores the impact of this revelation on Sarah, Michael, and the rest of the Polley family, examining the complexities of family bonds and the nature of truth and memory.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sarah Polley (Michael Polley): The filmmaker and investigator uncovering family secrets related to her parentage and family history.
• John Buchan (John Buchan): One of the storytellers, offering his perspective on the family history and events.
• Mark Polley (Mark Polley): Another storyteller and sibling who gives his viewpoint and memories of the family dynamic.
• Joanna Polley (Joanna Polley): A sibling who shares her recollections and perspective on their mother and the family’s past.
• Harry Gulkin (Harry Gulkin): A central figure in the family mystery, providing his account of events and relationships.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Michael Polley: “When you’re in the middle of a story, it isn’t a story at all but rather a confusion, a dark roaring, a blindness, a wreckage of shattered glass and splintered wood… It’s only afterwards that it becomes anything like a story at all, when you’re telling it to yourself or someone else.” – This quote captures the central theme of the movie about the nature of storytelling and how experiences are transformed into narratives over time.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $1,600,145
• Worldwide Gross: $2,641,053

💥 Stories We Tell Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Stories We Tell’ really got to me. I went in thinking it would be a simple family history, but it’s so much more. It is an amazing documentary that really has you thinking, because family stories are complicated, right? I found myself really drawn into the mystery surrounding Sarah’s parentage, and when the truth finally came out, I was stunned. The old home movie feel really added to it, making everything feel so personal. I’ve never seen anything like this movie and it had me thinking about my own family after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of documentary films”
  • “Viewers interested in family dynamics and secrets”
  • “Those who appreciate personal and intimate stories”
  • “People interested in the exploration of memory and truth”
  • “Fans of Sarah Polley’s work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussion of infidelity”
  • “Exploration of complex family relationships”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Polley brilliantly blends documentary and narrative techniques to create a deeply personal and universally resonant exploration of family secrets and the power of storytelling. It’s a cinematic puzzle box that keeps you guessing until the very end, while never losing sight of the human emotions at its core.
• The Guardian: “A fascinating and emotionally intelligent film that explores the complexities of memory, truth, and family dynamics. Polley’s innovative approach to documentary filmmaking makes this a standout in the genre.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A moving and thought-provoking exploration of identity and family, this film will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their own origins. The film is both intimate and insightful.

Audience Reactions

The innovative storytelling techniques kept me hooked from beginning to end.: Viewers praised the film’s unique blend of documentary and narrative elements, making it a captivating and emotional experience.

I loved how the film explored the idea that everyone has their own version of the truth.: Audiences appreciated the film’s exploration of subjective memory and how it shapes our understanding of family history.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed documentary praised for its innovative storytelling, emotional depth, and exploration of family dynamics, memory, and truth.

Awards

1. Canadian Screen Award (Best Documentary)- 2013
2. Directors Guild of Canada (Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary)- 2013
3. Alliance of Women Film Journalists (Best Documentary)- 2013

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sarah Polley hired actors to recreate scenes from her family’s past, filming them on 8mm to mimic the look of old home movies, adding a layer of constructed memory to the documentary.”
• “The film explores the idea that everyone remembers past events differently, creating varying accounts of the same story, but in actuality the participants all have very similar accounts.”

🖥️ How to Watch Stories We Tell?

As a documentary, ‘Stories We Tell’ might be available on streaming platforms that specialize in documentaries, such as DocuBay or CuriosityStream. Check these platforms for subscription options. It’s also worth checking streaming services that carry a wide range of films like Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play, where you might find it available to rent or purchase. You can also search for the film on platforms like YouTube to see if it is available for purchase or rental.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Stories We Tell, you might like these similar films:

• Man with a Movie Camera (1929): A groundbreaking documentary that experiments with filmmaking techniques and explores the nature of reality and representation, similar to Polley’s innovative approach.
• Capturing the Friedmans (2003): A controversial documentary that delves into a family’s dark secrets and examines the complexities of truth and memory.
• Amy (2015): A deeply personal documentary constructed from interviews and home footage about the life and death of Amy Winehouse, highlighting the impact of storytelling on legacy.

🛒 Stories We Tell Related Products

• Super 8 Film Camera: Movie Making Kit for Beginners: Capture your own family stories with this vintage-style Super 8 camera, perfect for recreating the nostalgic feel of the film. This kit includes everything you need to start filming!
• Documentary Filmmaking: A Step-by-Step Guide: A comprehensive guide that covers all aspects of documentary filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production. Learn how to craft compelling stories and capture authentic moments like Sarah Polley.
• Genealogy DNA Test Kit: Ancestry and Heritage: Uncover your family’s origins and explore your heritage with this easy-to-use DNA test kit. Learn about your ancestors and discover your unique story.
• Stories We Tell [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed documentary on Blu-Ray, offering high-definition viewing and bonus features. Relive the family’s story in stunning detail.

🎧 Soundtrack

Stories We Tell features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Tranquility” – performed by Abraham Lass

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Thoughts from Amsterdam

Ever wondered about the stories we tell ourselves? This video delves into that topic and will make you think about your own narratives. It’s a little abstract, but definitely worth a watch!

✨ Rate