Movie Review: Cairo Conspiracy

Al-Azhar University in Cairo has been the premier center of Islamic learning more or less since its founding around 970. As such, it is seen to be of supreme importance to those looking to wield influence amongst the Muslim faithful, be they religious or governmental leaders. Anyone who’s ever seen a movie or show about a monarchical empire, the Vatican, Game of Thrones, or even Succession will know that when that much power is at stake, many people will be willing to do almost anything to claim it for themselves.

Into this environment comes Adam (an endearing Tawfeek Barhom), the son of a fisherman from a small village who has been accepted to study at the renowned institution. He struggles to fit into his new surroundings, initially finding them overwhelming, but he slowly begins to make his way. Shortly after his arrival however, the Grand Imam of al-Azhar dies suddenly, and a power struggle begins among those who would like to choose his replacement, most notably on behalf of the Egyptian government.

Fellow student Zizo (Mehdi Dehbi) has been working undercover to gather intelligence for government agent Ibrahim (Fares Fares), but begins to suspect he’s been made and so is tasked with choosing a replacement. Drawn to Adam’s naïveté, he sends a text message recommending him to Ibrahim but is then murdered by masked men in the university courtyard. Ibrahim still locates Adam and forces him into his plan to sway the election of the next Imam in a direction that the Egyptian President finds favorable, putting the young man at great risk.

This is a classic conspiracy story in the vein of The Manchurian Candidate or All The President’s Men. There aren’t any action set pieces, instead relying on clandestine meetings and operations to generate suspense. Viewers are kept guessing how it will all turn out as it leads to a satisfying finale. The majority of the cast do impressive work, Barhom especially, though a few smaller parts can be over-emoted. Writer / director Tarik Saleh keeps things moving along at a brisk pace and captures much of the architectural beauty of his setting, but some bizarrely abrupt edits occasionally throw off the tempo. A tense thriller about the dangers of authoritarian rule, especially when religion gets mixed in, Cairo Conspiracy is well worth watching. ★★★★