Review of Stories We Tell (2012) by Ryan O — 16 Sep 2013

Stories We Tell.

In continuing with my love of documentaries, I found this little gem by pure accident. I hadn't heard much about it and thatâ??s a shame. Stories We Tell is from writer/director Sarah Polley who attempts to explore her family history -- specifically that of her mother who suddenly leaves the family and pursues a theater acting career in Canada. Through interviews with family members as well as some close family friends, Polley discovers the unknown truth about her mother's past.

This is a bold, brave story filled with such candor and openness, Polley and her extended family should be proud of the final result. Each of the cast of candidates interviewed for the film tell their recollections of the family story and each relies on their own versions, consequently making it that much more difficult to find the truth. Until of course, a major player in the story steps forward to tell all. This film proves that time and memory can shape any story when told by different people.

Stories We Tell is an outstanding examination about the power and love of family and the secrets that may be hiding in the closet. I loved this film from start to finish and I highly recommend it.