What I found fascinating about the story of Fahed, is that while this is his story, the action surrounding him takes precedence. In other words, Fahed seems to be along for the ride in life as if he takes no role in his future. At one point, his mother has very frank and harsh words about his current life and his future.
I also found fascinating the balls on director Karim Sayad to make a documentary, like this, about a family member. This has nothing to do with the final product, but I’m just curious to know how he knew his cousin would make a fascinating subject for a feature-length film. Why would he screw around with a delicate family dynamic to make a documentary about a family member? I don’t think any of my cousins would let me do this.
“…afraid of controlling his destiny and making life’s hard choices.”
The success or failure of My English Cousin falls solely on whether or not you find the film’s subject compelling. I must say Fared was interesting enough for me to get through the documentary, I’m not sure I could see you hold the same interest. I understand that good stories really should have its protagonist drive the overall story. That just doesn’t happen here. Though what I see in Fahed is a person, who is afraid of controlling his destiny and making life’s hard choices. I see Fahed in a lot of lost people in my life.
My English Cousin screened at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
"…why would he screw around with a delicate family dynamic..."
