“Project X,” an Egyptian film directed by Peter Mimi and starring the charismatic Karim Abdel Aziz, has opened the summer movie season and promised an exhilarating blend of action and adventure on 21 May. The film follows Youssef, an archaeologist portrayed by Abdel Aziz, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes quest after being accused of his wife’s murder. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks that reveal Youssef’s tragic past, including the violent death of his wife, Shams (played by Hana El Zahed), and his subsequent battle to clear his name while navigating a dangerous underworld. Youssef’s journey leads him to a secret chamber within the Great Pyramid, which then put him on a quest to locate a map hidden in a sunken submarine, with coordinates stored in the Vatican archives. The film’s action sequences, including underwater diving and high-octane chases, showcase Abdel Aziz’s dedication, as he learned to dive specifically for the role. As audiences flock to theaters, reactions to “Project X” have been mixed. Some viewers are captivated by the film’s ambitious scope and thrilling action, while others criticize its lack of a coherent plot and character development. While…
In Project X, High-Octane Action Meets Historical Fantasy, but Storytelling Falls Behind
June 2, 2025
By Belal Nawar
Senior Journalist
