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

Greetings, Cairene cinephiles. Unlike previous weeks, this week Cairo cinemas do not have a lot in store for you in terms of quantity, with only two movies – Zoe (2018) and Glass (2019) – being screened. That being said, notice how we used the caveat “quantity”; indeed, while there are not a lot of films this week, these two have a lot to offer. So, let’s get right to it. 

Zoe 

What’s it about? Two researchers are looking to use technology to perfect dating and relationship quality, in a world where synthetic humans have become commonplace. While most of these artificial humans occupy service-level jobs, the researchers manage to produce a more advanced version. This film goes on to explore how these advanced synthetic humans can feel and even love, and how the people they are involved with react to this concept.

The good: The plot sounds quite interesting, as it ventures into the world of online dating and the human need to find perfect partners and soulmates. Moreover, at the helm of this film is director Drake Doremus, who was previously directed films Equals (2015) and Like Crazy (2011); the former film combined the genres of Sci-fi, drama, and romance (much like Zoe does), whilst the latter explores the highs and lows of relationships (again, much like Zoe does). 

The bad: Preliminary reviews indicate that the film is quite shallow in its exploration of certain themes. 

Glass

What’s it about? This is the long-awaited third instalment in a cinematic adventure that began with Unbreakable (2000), and Split (2016). Joining from Unbreakable, Bruce Willis returns as David Dunn, as does Samuel L. Jackson as Mr. Glass. Joining from Split are James McAvoy as Kevin Wendell Crumb, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Casey Cooke. New cast additions include Sarah Paulson. 

The good: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, James McAvoy, and Sarah Paulson in one film, need we say more? 

The bad: As is the issue with most sequels, this film might not live up to the greatness of its forerunners.