Year: 2013
Runtime: 108 min
Language: English
Filmmaker Sarah Polley explores her family's past, uncovering long-held secrets and challenging her understanding of love, memory, and identity. Through interviews with relatives and archival footage, she pieces together a complex narrative that reveals surprising truths and redefines her perception of her own history. The film is a deeply personal and moving exploration of family dynamics and the power of storytelling.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Stories We Tell yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Stories We Tell (2013), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The film delves into the intricate relationship between Polley’s parents, Michael and Diane Polley, shedding light on the dramatic revelation that the filmmaker herself is the product of an extramarital affair involving her mother and Montreal producer Harry Gulkin. This poignant documentary weaves together interviews with Polley’s siblings from her mother’s two marriages and conversations with various relatives and family friends. It also features Michael Polley’s narration of his memoir, complemented by stunning Super-8 footage that is crafted to emulate genuine home movies chronicling significant moments in Polley’s family life.
The faux home video sequences feel remarkably authentic, attributed to the thoughtful casting choices, with Rebecca Jenkins portraying Diane, who unfortunately passed away due to cancer on January 10, 1990, just a week before Polley’s 11th birthday. Distinctively, Polley devoted five years to the completion of this documentary, often taking breaks to reflect and regroup her thoughts during the process.
In a revealing blog post on the NFB.ca website, Polley shares that multiple journalists, including Brian D. Johnson and Matthew Hays, had been aware of the narrative surrounding her biological father for an extended period. However, they graciously respected Polley’s desire to maintain the privacy of this matter until she felt prepared to share her story authentically in her own voice.
Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 02:24
Don't stop at just watching — explore Stories We Tell in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Stories We Tell is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Stories We Tell with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Stories We Tell that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Stories We Tell (2013) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Stories We Tell (2013) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Stories We Tell – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Abortion: Stories Women Tell (2016) Full Movie Breakdown
A Photographic Memory (2024) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Storyteller (2018) Film Overview & Timeline
Tell It Like a Woman (2023) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Body Remembers When the World Broke Open (2019) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Subject (2023) Complete Plot Breakdown
Tell Me Who I Am (2019) Full Movie Breakdown
Where She Lies (2020) Full Movie Breakdown
Prodigal Sons (2010) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Other Side of Everything (2018) Movie Recap & Themes
The Trans List (2016) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Rest of Us (2020) Film Overview & Timeline
Filling in the Blanks (2023) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Afterward (2020) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Love and Diane (2003) Plot Summary & Ending Explained