? AT THE MOVIES-

Who knew wrestling could pull at your heartstrings: The Iron Claw (watch trailer, runtime: 2:22) follows wrestling legends the Von Erich brothers (played by Zac Efron, The Bear ’s Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson of The Triangle of Sadness, and Stanley Simons) as they literally fight for their family legacy in the 80s under the watchful of their controlling father Fritz (played by Mindhunter’s Holt McCallany).

The movie is about the self-destructive nature of professional wrestling, but also about toxic parenting. Fritz Von Erich pushes his sons past their breaking point for a title he could never achieve. We watch with horror alongside Kevin (Efron), the oldest living son, as the family curse — real or self-fulfilled — eats away at them.

The film pulls a hefty emotional punch.We found ourselves dabbing our eyes with our sleeves and fighting a lump in our throat more than once, but the explicit physical and emotional brutality seems to be downplayed in the film. This may be intentional out of respect to the surviving members of the family, but it surprised us — you expect blood and bodily harm from a wrestling drama.

What it lacks in historical accuracy, it delivers in great performances. A24 has taken some artistic liberties in its depiction of the family and the timeline may have been fudged with one Von Erich son strangely excluded from the narrative altogether. The acting prowess exhibited by Efron and his castmates is almost disproportionate to the roles given — their gravitas has been reigned in by the lightweight plot scripted by Sean Durkin. One can only hope that these roles serve as a springboard into dramatic roles these actors can sink their teeth into.

WHERE TO WATCH- The Iron Claw is screening at Zawya Cinema.

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Talking is like silver, but silence is gold: Being shy or reserved is typically seen as an attribute that doesn’t exactly go hand-in-hand with smashing success, particularly as being a more outgoing and sociable person can help open doors. In Shy: How being quiet can lead to success, Annie Ridout argues the exact opposite.

Ridout flips the coin on how we perceive shyness through personal anecdotes and insights from certified clinical psychologists and experts. Shyness emerges as a result of both nature and nurture (i.e. your genetics or inherited characteristics, and the environment in which you grew up), Ridout says. People who are reserved or seen as shy tend to be really good listeners, thoughtful speakers, and keen observers — extending surprising benefits to work life, relationships, and self-love.

You can find it in Alef Bookstore.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Craving a good ol’ reliable burger? GB Burger is ready to scratch the itch. This burger joint boasts a menu large enough to deliver whatever you’re in the mood for. We were especially impressed with the soft, fluffy buns that really set the burger apart from most other joints.

Any size you like: You can choose between double and triple-decker patties depending on how hungry you are. The double was generous enough, but we might try the triple next time just for more of that juicy patty goodness topped with crisp lettuce and sliced tomato.

Any taste you like: The Original One is a great pick if you’re craving a standard burger without any frills. The Caramelized BBQ and the Sweet N Smoke are very similar, but the latter gives us the nostalgic flavor of a certain sauce from the (boycotted) golden arch food chain.

Not feeling a burger? The Buffalo Ranch was delicious, serving up the tenderest fried chicken we ever tasted and a generous helping with ranch sauce. We would swap the lettuce out for coleslaw for some extra crunch.

The downsides:We recommend giving the fries a miss — even the cheesy cheetos version. Go for the onion rings or the cheddar cheese jalapeño sticks, which were a crowd favorite. If you want dessert, head elsewhere.

You can indulge in GB Burger online through Talabat or by visiting their branch in New Cairo.

? Per person: EGP 200-350

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: No

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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