Stories We Tell

The film's central mystery revolves around a significant secret concerning Sarah Polley's mother. As Polley delves into her mother's past and the circumstances surrounding her life, she uncovers information that challenges her family's established narrative. The varied recollections from different individuals involved suggest a complex history, leaving the audience to piece together the truth behind the revelations.

Information regarding specific streaming availability in Australia can fluctuate. However, 'Stories We Tell' is a critically acclaimed film that has been widely distributed. It's advisable to check major Australian streaming platforms and digital rental services. Given its festival success and critical acclaim, it is likely to be accessible through one of these avenues for Australian viewers interested in exploring its unique narrative.

The performances, both by the real family members and the actors portraying them, are incredibly compelling due to their raw honesty and emotional vulnerability. Sarah Polley's direction encourages a naturalistic approach, allowing genuine feelings and differing viewpoints to surface. The actors tasked with re-enacting moments from the past imbue their roles with a sense of lived experience, making the reconstructions feel authentic and deeply affecting.

The documentary features interviews with a range of individuals close to Sarah Polley's family, most notably her father, Michael Polley, and other relatives like Harry Gulkin, Susy Buchan, John Buchan, and Mark Polley. Their varying degrees of involvement in the central family secrets directly influence the perspectives and reliability of their accounts, forming the core of the film's investigative nature.

No, 'Stories We Tell' transcends the conventional documentary format. While it features interviews and archival elements, its innovative structure blends these with dramatic reenactments of past events. Sarah Polley deliberately blurs the lines between reality and performance, using actors to portray her family members and their past selves, which serves to underscore the film's thematic exploration of how stories are constructed and remembered.

The film masterfully illustrates how memory is subjective and malleable. As Sarah Polley interviews her family and their acquaintances, it becomes clear that each individual's recollection of past events is coloured by their personal experiences and involvement. This creates a complex tapestry of narratives, highlighting how truth can be elusive and dependent on the storyteller, making the audience question the very foundation of remembrance.

Filmmaker Sarah Polley, known for her acting roles, directs and stars in 'Stories We Tell,' using it as a deeply personal vehicle to explore family secrets. The documentary centres on her investigation into her late mother's life, prompted by a revelation that reshaped her understanding of her family. Polley interviews various relatives and friends, piecing together fragmented memories and differing accounts to uncover the truth.