Stories We Tell (2012)

In "Stories We Tell", an intriguing blend of documentary and detective drama, the Oscar-nominated actress, writer, and director, Sarah Polley, embarks on a deeply personal journey to uncover the truth buried within her own family's web of tales. Dubbed as both a filmmaker and a sleuth, she conducts a series of interrogative interviews with a diverse cast of family members, friends, and acquaintances, each character offering their unique perspective on the family's enigmatic past. The film begins with a seemingly light-hearted focus on the marital union of Polley's parents, actors Michael Polley and the late Diane Polley. However, with each subsequent interview, the narrative subtly shifts, unveiling a long-held family secret that has been the genesis of many a family jest since Sarah's early teens. As the secret unfolds, it becomes evident that its impact resonates most deeply with Sarah and Michael, the living family members most affected by its implications. Polley's interviewees, each a storyteller in their own right, narrate their versions of the family mythology, often contradicting each other's accounts and revealing a multifaceted picture of their mother, who left them too soon and with many unanswered questions. As she navigates through their nostalgia-tinted recollections, Polley unravels the intricate paradoxes within these stories, revealing the intricate, warmly chaotic, and fiercely loving essence of her family. However, the central question that emerges is not merely about the secret itself, but about the perception of the secret through the narratives spun by the interviewees. The ultimate framing of the film hinges on Polley's editing choices, making the viewer question whether the focus should lie on the secret itself or on the stories woven around it. "Stories We Tell" is a masterful exploration of the elusive nature of truth and memory, painting a profound, humorous, and touching tableau of the human condition. It delves into how our individual and familial narratives shape us, interweaving to form the complex, beautiful tapestry of our shared human story.

Stories We Tell is a documentary movie featuring Michael Polley.

Stories We Tell is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee, Kanopy and The Roku Channel.

It is also possible to buy Stories We Tell on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.