? AT THE MOVIES-

This gripping thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.Escape is an emotional rollercoaster following the story of ten trafficked women trying to escape from their abductors.

The girls were just trying to go on vacation. The story starts with the main characters Karla and Lucy at a resort on vacation before they are abducted and taken to a group of women that had experienced the same terror. They later lead the group into developing their escape plan and the events begin to unfold.

The story isn’t exactly new. The “kidnapped and trying to escape” storyline is becoming a classic in the action/thriller genre at this point, which has caused the movie to be a bit predictable. There isn’t anything exactly groundbreaking about it but it does present strong acting and a suspense-filled sequence of events.

The characters are quite compelling. Directed by Howard J. Ford and starring Karla (Sarah Alexandra Marks) and Lucy (Sophie Rankin), the movie presents a diverse array of well-developed characters, each with their own unique backstory that lead them to that situation. The actors brought depth and authenticity to their roles, which gave the audience an emotional appeal.

The escape journey was long and inspiring. As the women navigate their way through their plan, truth is unraveled, backstories are shared, and the details of their captivity become clear. Friendships are tested, resilience is portrayed, and the human spirit is clearly reclaimed.

WHERE TO WATCH- Catch the movie at Cairo Festival City, Golf City, and Sea Cinema Arabella. Watch the trailer here (watch trailer, runtime: 1:55).

? FROM THE BOOKSTORE-

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery in The Wildest Sun. The story follows Delphine Auber, a young aspiring writer living in postwar Paris who claims to be the daughter of the legendary Ernest Hemingway.

Forced to leave her home following a tragic event, Delphine seizes the opportunity to search for her long-lost father. Her quest takes her from Paris to Harlem, Havana, and Key West, as she yearns for her father’s approval and grapples with her own identity amidst the myths surrounding her upbringing.

It’s a bildungsroman across several continents. It explores themes of identity and self-discovery through Delphine’s metaphorical journey. Her ambition as a writer drives her across continents, shedding light on the lengths individuals go to fulfill their dreams. The narrative also examines the power of legends, as Delphine’s perception of her father shapes her own narrative — highlighting the influence of iconic figures on personal mythologies.

Throughout her travels, Delphine encounters vibrant communities in Harlem and learns about cultural richness, while exploring the diverse landscapes and unique stories of Havana and Key West. The Wildest Sun delves into the theme of family and acceptance, challenging notions of idealized parentage and highlighting the uniqueness of individual journeys.

The narrative combines historical and cultural elements with the personal quest for self-discovery, resulting in a poignant and thought-provoking story that will be difficult to put down.

You can find it atCherry Blossom Books.

? HOT AND FRESH OUT OF THE KITCHEN-

Good food, great music, and French culinary tradition come together at TheBrasserie. Brought to us by the same crew behind The Tap and Brunch and Cake, The Brasserie is a classier joint for a good meal and a refreshing drink that would be ideal for a date or a post-closing dinner.

Don’t miss their sea bass carpaccio. The fresh fish coupled with the balsamic pearls was a joy on the palate. The grilled tiger prawns were succulent and a classic hit, but you might be excited about your next main course as you’ll still be hungry.

Their main courses are lovely but don’t forget the sides. We had a go at the brisket and it was buttery but certainly not for sharing. The Duck Confit is another must-have — the melt-in-your-mouth duck and sweetness of the orange and carrot puree are not to be missed.

If you can manage to have more room in your stomach, then don’t miss on their chocolate fondant, which tastes as amazing as it sounds. The burnt butter ice cream was as innovative as it was delicious.

PRO TIP: Reservations are a must, especially during the weekends when they have a live band performing English-Arabic fusion of some of our favorite hits from the 70s to the 2000s.

? Per person: EGP 1.5k

? Outdoor seating: Yes

? Alcohol: Yes

?Smoking: Yes

? Accessibility friendly: Yes

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