Watch In The Last Days Of The City

In The Last Days Of The City is a poignant and nuanced film that explores the complexity of modern-day Cairo through the eyes of its residents. The movie, which premiered at the 2016 Berlin International Film Festival, is directed by Tamer El Said and stars Khalid Abdalla, Laila Samy, and Hanan Youssef. Set in the early 2010s, the film follows the life of a young filmmaker named Khalid (played by Khalid Abdalla) who is struggling to make sense of his hometown as it undergoes profound social and political changes. Khalid is in the process of making a documentary about the city, but he finds that his subject is constantly shifting and evolving faster than he can capture it on film. Like many young people in Cairo, he is grappling with questions of identity, belonging, and purpose in a society that is undergoing radical transformation.

Throughout the movie, Khalid navigates the city's chaotic streets, crosses paths with a diverse array of characters, and reflects on his own experiences and those of his friends and family. Along the way, he grapples with the impact of gentrification, the legacy of colonialism, the rise of Islamist politics, and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

One of the most striking aspects of In The Last Days Of The City is its rich and textured atmosphere. The film captures the sights, sounds, and smells of Cairo in a way that feels both authentic and immersive. From the bustling markets to the cramped apartments to the hazy coffee shops, the city is presented as a vibrant and multifaceted space that is at once exhilarating and overwhelming. The camera work is particularly effective in conveying the sense of disorientation and uncertainty that many of the characters feel as they navigate a world in flux.

Another strength of the film is its nuanced approach to political and social issues. Rather than offering a simplistic or didactic message, In The Last Days Of The City presents a complex and multifaceted portrait of contemporary Egypt. The movie highlights the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the society and shows how different individuals are affected by various political and economic forces. At the same time, the film avoids reducing these issues to mere abstractions or talking points. Instead, it conveys a deep sense of empathy for the individuals who are struggling to make sense of their lives in a world that is changing around them.

Overall, In The Last Days Of The City is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deftly explores the complexities of contemporary Cairo. The movie is a testament to the talent of its director and cast, who bring a depth and nuance to their performances that is rarely seen in mainstream cinema. The film is a subtle and moving meditation on the ways in which our identities, beliefs, and relationships are shaped by the places we inhabit. As such, it is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse cultures of the Middle East.

In The Last Days Of The City is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 75.