The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via Youm7

As many of us rushed to movie theatres to watch Karim Abdelaziz and Karim Mahmoud Abdelaziz join forces for Beit El Ruby (for the similarity of their names, if nothing else), we found ourselves watching something much more profound than we were expecting. Most of us were expecting a feel-good comedy, and while we did get that to a degree, the serious commentary on how we use social media made the most impression upon leaving the cinema. While we’ll try our best to keep spoilers to a minimum, there are some parts of the story that we’ll have to reveal to really get the message across.

Directed by Peter Mimi, it should come as no surprise that the film is socially charged as well as optimistic. As the big Ruby family leaves their abode in a remote coastal town, we’re initially disconcerted by the patriarch, Ibrahim’s (played by Karim Abdelaziz) initial refusal to return to Cairo for a short trip after seven years away from the big city. When we discover the reason behind the family’s near decade-long retreat, we finally understand Ibrahim’s comment to his brother Ihab (Karim Mahmoud Abdelaziz), “Why would I go back to a place where people devour one another?” In the aftermath of a tragic medical incident seemingly caused by his wife, Eman (the couple are both doctors), played by the iconic Lebanese actress Nour, a relentless stream of insults is directed at the woman. The tragedy goes viral on social media, and she is dubbed a murderer. Both her and her husband’s careers are ruined, and they take off to live far away from Cairo, in the most remote place they could raise their two kids away from people’s cruelty.

It is very important to understand the nuance Mimi tries to bring. In no way do we get the impression that he is trying to excuse medical neglect. Rather, he tries to show the humanity in those who are publicly humiliated and insulted in the media. This film is hopefully a wake-up call and plea for forgiveness in a day and age devoid of mercy.

Image via Youm7

If there is one true problem with the film, though, it’s that it was TOO socially charged: while it may be a noble pursuit to try to bring all issues with social media to light, there comes a point where it becomes confusing to the spectator and deviates from the plot. The film deals with catfishing, cyberbullying, harassment, and abuse of people’s privacy for the sake of virality. All are very important issues which must be dealt with and discussed because of the profound suffering they put people through. But it felt as though they were being thrown into the film for the sake of being there, and it was overwhelming. That said, it did not take away from our overall enjoyment.

Right now, it feels like there is no way to go on social media without being exposed to a stream of insults and humiliation. While this has always been the case, it feels a great deal more overt and “normal” than it ever was. Seeing endearment in the comments shocks us. Seeing insults, racism, sexism, and every kind of “-ism” under the sun, does not shock us. Hence the need for a film like Beit El Ruby. The film not only brings these issues directly to us, such that we cannot escape bringing ourselves and our behaviour into serious question, but it also makes us laugh all the while. Karim Mahmoud Abdelaziz’s performance as a hotheaded, fun-loving uncle was absolutely hilarious. Tara Emad’s social media-obsessed character, Bahira, reminded us of a handful of people we love to hate. The film is just as much introspective as it is comedic, making it the perfect movie theatre experience for many of us.

Image via Mdmoon