A Family’s Past, Reconstructed

Read Time:3 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Mother of All Lies (Kadib Abyad)
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Genre: Biography, Documentary, Drama, History, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 37m
Director(s): Asmae El Moudir
Language: Arabic with English subtitles
Where To Watch: releasing September 6, 2024, at the Alamo Drafthouse Liberty, NYC, and September 13 at Laemmle Theaters Los Angeles

RAVING REVIEW: Asmae El Moudir's journey through the recesses of her family's history and Morocco's national memory forms the heart of THE MOTHER OF ALL LIES. Starting with the unsettling discovery of a childhood photo that wasn't her own, Moudir delves into the hidden corners of her past, piecing together the echoes of Morocco's turbulent history, particularly the Bread Riots of 1981, which resonate through her family's shared story. Her film not only reconstructs her upbringing via intricate miniatures but also weaves a rich journey of personal and political storylines that captivate and educate.

Moudir transforms her quest into a universal exploration of truth, employing miniature models and puppetry that elevate her narrative beyond conventional documentary boundaries. These miniatures serve as more than mere visual aids; they become storytellers themselves, each detail meticulously crafted by her father, each figure lovingly dressed by her mother. Blending personal artifacts with the broader historical canvas creates a compelling dialogue between the intimate and the collective.

The film's emotional core centers on Zahra, Moudir’s grandmother, who represents Morocco’s struggle with its past. Her resistance to revisiting the Bread Riots—a painful chapter marked by violence and suppression—mirrors the broader societal reluctance to confront uncomfortable historical truths. Through this confrontation, Moudir challenges her grandmother and prompts the audience to reflect on the shadows that shape our identities.

In THE MOTHER OF ALL LIES, the interplay of interviews, reenactments, and miniature staging crafts an engaging narrative that transcends mere documentation. Moudir’s conversations with her grandmother over hidden histories underscore the generational divide and highlight the arduous journey toward historical reconciliation. The film’s visual and narrative style, marked by unique lighting choices and precise scene composition, draws viewers deeper into the layered exploration of memory and identity.

The treatment of time is a particularly striking narrative technique in THE MOTHER OF ALL LIES. This blending highlights the cyclic nature of history and memory, suggesting that the past continuously molds our present experiences and decisions. The seamless integration of historical footage with the current-day interviews further emphasizes the lasting impact of the past on the present, providing a visceral reminder that history is not as distant as it may seem.

This venture is ultimately a meditation on reconciling personal and collective histories. It underscores the transformative power of confronting and embracing the truths of the past, positing that such revelations are crucial for personal healing and societal restoration. Moudir’s film is a testament to memory's enduring impact and pivotal role in defining our identities and shaping our futures.

THE MOTHER OF ALL LIES is a boundary-crossing story that delves into the complex interplay of memory and identity. Through a blend of personal narrative and historical analysis, Moudir invites viewers to examine their historical engagements and champions the crucial act of remembering. This film is a powerful call to uncover and confront the past, offering insightful reflections on the forces that sculpt our lives and communities.

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[photo courtesy of OUTSIDER PICTURES]

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