What Is Stories We Tell About?
The premise of Stories We Tell in 303 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a quiet, sun‑dappled suburb where family photographs line the walls and home movies flicker on aging projectors, Sarah Polley turns the camera toward the people who shaped her earliest world. As a filmmaker, she steps back from the role of observer to become a participant, inviting relatives to sit across from her in living rooms that still echo with laughter and half‑remembered stories. The film’s structure feels like a collage of conversations, each fragment a thread that, when woven together, suggests a richer tapestry of love, loss, and the ways memory reshapes truth.
At the heart of this intimate portrait are the two pillars of her childhood: Michael Polley, a quiet, reflective presence whose voice carries the cadence of a memoir, and Diane Polley, a vibrant, nurturing figure whose warmth permeates the recollections of those around her. Their differing perspectives create a gentle tension, inviting the audience to wonder how separate experiences can coexist within a single family narrative. The documentary’s tone remains contemplative rather than investigative, emphasizing the act of listening as much as the act of filming.
The aesthetic leans heavily on nostalgia: Super‑8 grain, the soft glow of old slide projections, and the occasional pause as a relative searches for the right words. These visual choices lend the story a dream‑like quality, suggesting that every reclaimed memory is both a resurrection and an interpretation. The film’s rhythm is unhurried, allowing moments of silence to breathe, reflecting the real‑time process of piecing together a personal history that has long been held close.
Through careful pacing and a reverent approach to storytelling, the work invites viewers into a space where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. It poses subtle questions about whose voice gets heard, how stories evolve across generations, and what it means to confront the past with both curiosity and compassion.
What Happens in Stories We Tell?
The complete story of Stories We Tell, from the first scene to the last, in 211 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
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.
Stories We Tell Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction of Michael and Diane Polley” to “Final Thoughts”.
- 1
Introduction of Michael and Diane Polley
The film begins by introducing Michael and Diane Polley, setting the stage for an exploration of their complex relationship. It reveals the foundation of the family dynamics that will be examined throughout the documentary.
- 2
Revelation of Extramarital Affair
A dramatic revelation unfolds as it is disclosed that filmmaker Sarah Polley is the product of an extramarital affair involving her mother, Diane. This shocking news brings to light the family secrets that have been hidden for years.
Where:Montreal
- 3
Interviews with Family Members
The documentary features heartfelt interviews with Polley’s siblings from her mother's two marriages. These conversations provide insights into their shared experiences and differing perspectives on family life and the impact of the revelations.
- 4
Michael Polley’s Narration
Michael Polley contributes to the narrative by sharing excerpts from his memoir. His narration adds a personal touch to the documentary and helps viewers understand his views on the family’s past and the impact of the hidden truths.
- 5
Use of Super-8 Footage
Stunning Super-8 footage is utilized in the documentary to emulate authentic home movies. This visual approach not only enhances the storytelling but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection to the family’s history.
- 6
Diane Polley’s Illness
The documentary touches on the tragic illness of Diane Polley, who passed away from cancer on January 10, 1990. Her death occurs just one week before Sarah Polley's 11th birthday, profoundly affecting the family.
When:January 10, 1990
- 7
The Five-Year Journey
Sarah Polley dedicates five years to the completion of the documentary, illustrating her commitment to sharing her family’s story. This extended period includes times of reflection and regrouping, emphasizing the emotional weight of the narrative.
- 8
Polley’s Public Disclosure
In a revealing blog post on the NFB.ca website, Sarah Polley discusses her decision to share the story of her biological father. This marks a significant moment as she chooses to open up about her family’s hidden past.
- 9
Journalists' Awareness
The documentary highlights that multiple journalists, including Brian D. Johnson and Matthew Hays, were aware of Polley’s narrative for years. Their respect for her privacy showcases the sensitivity surrounding her family story.
- 10
Authentic Storytelling
The film culminates in Polley embracing her story and the complexities of her family identity. It reflects on themes of secrecy, identity, and the process of coming to terms with personal history.
Show the other 5 events of Stories We Tell Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Reflections on Family Dynamics
Through the lens of interviews and personal narrative, the documentary explores the dynamics of blended families. It invites viewers to reflect on how relationships evolve in the face of hidden truths and revelations.
- 12
Polley’s Healing Journey
As Polley navigates her family's past, the documentary illustrates her healing journey. It showcases the importance of storytelling in understanding oneself and reconciling with one’s heritage.
- 13
Legacy of Diane Polley
The film pays tribute to Diane Polley’s legacy, revealing her influence on Sarah and the family. It emphasizes the emotional connections and memories that continue to endure despite her absence.
- 14
Closure and Acceptance
Ultimately, the documentary represents a quest for closure and acceptance within the family. It highlights how confronting past truths can lead to understanding and reconciliation among family members.
- 15
Final Thoughts
In the conclusion, Polley reflects on the journey of discovering her identity amid family complexities. The film leaves viewers contemplating their own narratives and the significance of sharing personal histories.
Who Are the Main Characters in Stories We Tell?
3 characters, among them Michael Polley, Diane Polley and Harry Gulkin: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 1 of them link to the actor’s page.
- MP
Michael Polley
Michael Polley, the filmmaker's father, serves as the narrator, offering personal insights into his family dynamics and past events. His reflections provide a grounding perspective on the complex relationships that define the family's narrative. He balances the weight of family history with a tone that invites understanding and empathy.
- 👨👧👦 Family
- 📖 Narrator
- DP
Diane Polley
Diane Polley, portrayed in the documentary through both recollections and archival footage, is the filmmaker’s mother whose life and choices are central to the narrative. Her untimely passing adds a layer of poignancy, influencing not just the filmmaker's journey but also the revelations surrounding family relationships.
- 🌸 Mother
- 🎭 Tragic
- HG
Harry Gulkin
Played by Harry Gulkin
Harry Gulkin is a pivotal figure representing the biological father in the narrative. His existence complicates the family history, representing the consequences of extramarital relationships. The film navigates the emotional landscape of his involvement, which resonates deeply with the themes of identity and belonging.
- 🔍 Mystery
- 👤 Biological Father
Where and When Is Stories We Tell Set?
Stories We Tell is set in Montreal (1990s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1990s
The documentary reflects on events predominantly from the 1990s, a time marked by profound personal and familial transformations. During this period, societal norms about family and relationships were evolving, and the film captures the sentiment of exploration and discovery within these changing dynamics.
Where
Montreal
Montreal is a vibrant city in Canada known for its rich culture, diverse population, and bustling arts scene. It plays a significant role in the film as it provides the backdrop for the personal revelations concerning the filmmaker's family. The city's historical charm, with its mix of old and modern architecture, enhances the emotional depth of the storytelling.
- 🏙️ City
What Are the Themes of Stories We Tell?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Family Secrets and Documentary Storytelling.
-
01
Family Secrets
The film explores the delicate web of family secrets and the impact of hidden truths on relationships. It delves into the lives of Polley’s parents and siblings, revealing how past choices shape present identities. The emotional weight of these revelations serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of familial bonds.
-
02
Documentary Storytelling
Through a mix of interviews and personal narrations, the film exemplifies the power of documentary storytelling. The use of home video footage intertwines personal history with artistic expression, connecting viewers to the filmmaker's journey. This approach highlights the emotional authenticity and the significance of sharing one's truth.
What Kind of Film Is Stories We Tell?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A deeply personal and melancholic documentary that uses interviews and recreated footage to explore the emotional weight of uncovering long-held family secrets and redefining one's identity.
- introspective
- emotional
- nostalgic
- serious
- unsettling
- revelatory
- family secrets
- identity
- memory
- documentary
Content notes: death of a parent, marital infidelity.
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