Eagles of the Republic

Watched at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.

Tarik Saleh offers an interesting concept exploring of Egypt's corrupted government system and a character situated in the moment of it. Unfortunately despite some really good moments, the movie never really found it's footing properly because of its unbalanced writing and characters that you don't really feel connected towards.

Throughout, Saleh's direction on the tone, atmosphere and setting is good, as it helps establish the setting and where the characters are at. The camerawork and production designs are good, alongside with the performances from the cast as there isn't a single bad performance from anyone.

As mentioned, the writing and concepts is good and there are some good themes and writing elements that Saleh explores. However, the issue is that Saleh doesn't seem to know where to find it's powerful moment and as a whole, the writing feels thin, aimless, and unfilling. Where certain concepts felt underdeveloped and uninteresting. Alongside with the characters as many of the characters felt uninteresting and at times, underdeveloped. Where you don't feel a sense of realism nor an interest engagement that Saleh would have wanted. Undeniablely, the message is clear but it's goal didn't really hit the spot.

Alongside with some decent dialogue and music choices, there are some good sound designs that helps establish the tension and the setting of Egypt. But there are some strange editing choices and pacing issues that are plagued throughout the movie.

Overall, Tarik Saleh has good intentions but the end result becomes forgettable and uninteresting.

"Eagles of the Republic" is a funny and informative film that highlights the challenges of living under a military-controlled government. The movie explores themes of power and corruption through a range of interesting characters. One thing I do have to criticize, however, is that the narrative doesn't do a very good job of portraying the military government as the villains they actually are.

Eagles of the Republic is one of those movies you walk out really enjoying, but realizing as the days passed by that it wasn't quite as profound as it makes itself out to be.

It's a fantastic concept; Georges Fahmy (Fares Fares) is a movie star akin to Omar Sharif (another Coptic Christian and real life Egyptian superstar). He's invited to play President El Sis in a in what is essentially a propaganda film, a role he does not want to, but is ultimately compelled to take.

The film explores the themes of power, celebrity, cultural identity, and corruption, with many interesting characters and spinning plates. There are a lot of really fun, intriguing people here and part of the film's biggest issue is that we never get to spend much time with them outside of Georges.

The film seems to really wow us with big, emotional moments. I know what it's trying to get across; that Georges eventually has an inflated sense of ego because he begins to "feel" like the President, but it isn't communicated particularly well.

The film has some fun twists and turns, but rather than feel like we're walking deeper and deeper into a web of conspiracy, we sort of sleep walk into it. I genuinely didn't see the film's biggest and frankly, best, moment coming, but it also didn't feel earned either.

Overall, I like this film's cultural authenticity and boldness with critique; not overbearing but effective in communicating its politics. It's a great looking film that felt higher budget than it probably was. But, it was lacking in narrative tightness and exploring more of the wide cast of characters.

This is a must-see film. The film highlights some of problems that many countries in the world have these days. Dictatorships, corruption, hypocrisy, persecution, imprisonment, injustice in society, oppression, non-democratic elections, lack of voting rights. Problems that many countries really have. So important to address, because not everyone is lucky enough to grow up in a democracy. See the film if you can and have the opportunity.

Eagles of the Republic is one of those films that grabs you early and just doesn't let go. It blends drama, humor, and real edge-of-your-seat tension in a way that feels effortless, the kind of storytelling you only get when everyone involved is operating at the top of their game.

Tarik Saleh's direction is fantastic, and Fares Fares delivers an unforgettable performance as George Fahme, when you almost literally step into the shoes of this self-absorbed actor who slowly watches his whole world fall apart. The way his character unravels, piece by piece, is both painful and incredibly entertaining to watch.

I've now seen the film three times, and honestly, it keeps getting better. Every viewing peels back another layer, like an onion. You catch new details, new hints, new reactions you didn't notice before. It's cleverly built for repeat viewings, and it rewards you every time. This is a powerful, tightly crafted political thriller that stays with you long after the credits roll, something we really haven't seen since the heyday of political thrillers in the -70:ies like Pakula's All the President's Men and Pollack's Three Days of the Condor (maybe with Gaghan's Syriana in 2005 as the one modern exception).

And beyond being a great cinematic experience, it actually matters. Many of the actors and artists involved put themselves on the line to tell this story. Watching it isn't just entertainment; it's also a small act of solidarity with the creatives from the Arab world who are making real sacrifices to bring these stories to light.

Highly recommended. It stays with you.