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Film Review
Transformed by giving
Immigration film stresses hospitality
Although many previous theatrical attempts on the topic have been biased, baseless and generally boring, the complex topic of immigration is finally gaining the traction and quality it deserves.
“The Visitor” (Overture) is a fascinating film about how a man is transformed by the immigration system. With superb acting, writing and character development, “The Visitor” is a formula one hopes will soon return to the movie theater.
Walter Vale, played in a stunning performance by Richard Jenkins, is a widowed economics professor from Connecticut. He returns to his New York City apartment, the dwelling he and his deceased wife shared.
Lifeless and depressed, Walter is shocked to find two illegal immigrants from Syria and Senegal living in his apartment. The immigrants are paying rent to a man who claimed the apartment belonged to his friend.
Walter lets the immigrants remain in his apartment and develops a close bond with Tarek, played by Haaz Sleiman, thanks to their shared love of music. Tarek is arrested after an altercation on the subway and his mother Mouna, played by Hiam Abbass, enters the movie and Walter’s life.
Every character has a different past and therefore a different role in the U.S. immigration system. This variety of perspectives provides the depth of the film that paints a convoluted, yet moving portrait of the difficulties facing immigrants.
Set against a vibrant New York City backdrop, viewers are meant to see the beauty not only in the relationships between the main characters, but within the greater community.
“The Visitor” is not a film that is about immigration, but it uses the hardship and pain that is often present in the life of immigrants to illustrate a need for passion. Walter’s guests cause his personal transformation and leave him with a new passion for life.
Acting is the strength of “The Visitor,” with performances that range from great to brilliant. The film does not make the mistake of many immigration films by becoming overly political and thus polarizing. America and the people of the country are portrayed very positively, but the immigration system is certainly seen as more than mildly flawed.
The right to immigrate has been a focus of the U.S. bishops for years. Pope Benedict XVI touched on immigration during his trip the United States, where he encouraged hospitality in the short term, followed by the repairing of broken systems in the countries from which migrants are fleeing in the long term.
This message is largely mirrored in “The Visitor” and the gifts of being hospitable are clearly much greater for the American than the immigrants — an important reflection of the pope’s message to Americans.
To call “The Visitor” a political film would be incorrect. It is a film that touches on an issue pulsating through every crevice of the country while focusing on the broader issue of the personal transformation. Offering oneself to others in relationship and generosity is life-changing. The fact that these messages are wrapped in a package of such great quality on nearly every level of filmmaking simply adds to the lovely trip that is “The Visitor.”
This film contains insinuation of pre-marital relationships and some cursing.
Rebecca Bostic is a regular contributor to The Catholic Sun. Comments are welcome. Send e-mail to letters@catholicsun.org.
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