Welcome

Philippe Lioret’s latest film is an emotional and intriguing mix of social and personal drama that echoes some of the more low-key work of Ken Loach.

Like Loach, the issues of immigration and prejudice are very much at the heart of the film, exposing the hypocrisy and ill-considered arguments levelled against those whose only wish is to escape danger and be with their loved ones. But the film also works as an interesting examination of masculinity, with the story of Bilal (Firat Ayverdi), a young Kurdish boy determined to join his girlfriend who has immigrated to the UK, juxtaposed with Simon (Vincent Lindon), a swimming instructor in the midst of a divorce.

Lioret’s direction is functional, a portrait of a world of muted colours and dull buildings from which one can totally understand the desire to escape. But it’s Lindon’s and Ayverdi’s chemistry that really holds the interest as their fractured student/teacher relationship provides the emotional core of the story.

Laurence Boyce

Anticipation:

Recent events in France have given this film an extra resonance.

Enjoyment:

The story and acting are top notch.

In Retrospect:

This kind of subject has been tackled before, but Lioret’s film is strong, confident and compelling.