Back to Alexandria: A Journey Through Time and Emotion

Back to Alexandria is more than just a film; it's an evocative exploration of identity, memory, and reconciliation. Directed by Tamer Ruggli, this feature-length debut—with its multilingual script scriptwritten by Yousry Nasrallah—navigates the complex emotional landscape of its protagonist, Sue, as she embarks on a poignant journey back to her roots.

A Homecoming of the Heart

Nadine Labaki, known for her work in Capernaum, steps into the shoes of Sue, a psychiatrist grappling with her past. Her journey from Switzerland back to Alexandria isn't just geographical—it's deeply personal and fraught with unresolved tensions with her estranged mother, Fairouz, played masterfully by Fanny Ardant. The dynamic between Sue and Fairouz is at the film's core. Ardant's Fairouz is a figure shrouded in nostalgia and fraught with class tensions that only time and distance can exacerbate.

Haunting Visions and Familial Bonds

What makes Back to Alexandria stand out is its deft portrayal of ghostly memories and the clamor of internal dialogues. As Sue retraces her steps in Alexandria, the film turns into a visual and auditory symphony of emotions—shifts between English, Arabic, and French further mirror Sue's fractured identity. It's a bold choice, but one that speaks to the universal experience of being caught between worlds.

Sue's hallucinations of arguments and reconciliations with her mother not only provide plot momentum but also give insight into the generational tensions that define their relationship. You're left asking, how do we forgive those who hurt us the most? And do we need to?

The City as Character

But let’s not forget about Alexandria itself, which, like Rome or Paris, becomes as much a character as those who inhabit it. As the camera pans over the city's changing skyline, Ruggli captures Alexandria in a way that both acknowledges its imperial past and grapples with its present. It's not often a film makes a locale resonate so profoundly, but here it's irresistible. An unforgettable scene featuring the iconic Corniche encapsulates the emotional crossroads Sue encounters.

Final Thoughts: A Cinematic Time Capsule

In the end, Back to Alexandria is a deeply personal film that resounds with universal themes—what it's like to return to a home that isn't quite yours anymore, and the ways in which time alters our perceptions of the places and people we once knew so well. As the film fades to black and the classic strain of "Ahwak" gently rings out, you're left with the realization that some distances can't be measured in miles or years but in heartbeats and memories.

In a world filled with high-concept blockbusters, Back to Alexandria offers a refreshing return to cinema's roots. It’s a reminder of the poetic power the medium holds—to capture not just a moment in time, but the echo of its lingering impact. For anyone intrigued by the intersections of past and present or those who simply appreciate a heartfelt narrative, this film is a must-see.