Watching The Alleys rekindled something I thought was lost in contemporary Arab cinema. Over the past few years, television series, especially during Ramadan, have drifted toward stories set in mansions, featuring luxury cars and lifestyles far removed from the everyday realities a lot of Jordanians and Arabs live. These shows often portray an idealized world that feels distant, detached, and unrecognizable.

Then came The Alleys, and with it, a sense of authenticity I deeply missed. The film brings us back to the narrow streets and old neighborhoods of Amman, to the people and spaces that reflect the heart of the country. Its raw portrayal of class, gossip, and survival in tight-knit communities reminded me that cinema has the power to tell real stories, not just glamorous fantasies. The Alleys doesn’t just entertain, it restores faith in storytelling that mirrors society as it truly is. — SAMYA AYISH