There are three topics you don’t bring up at the extended family gatherings: politics, religion, and money. Guess Limbo is off the table for the next family gathering. That said, due to being quarantined and sequestered to Skype, Zoom, and Facetime calls…all bets are off. Now you just need to see Limbo.
Praise and a Word of Warning
Now, I gotta speak up. That trailer isn’t accurate. It pitches the film to be a lighthearted, fun, spunky story about a Syrian Refugee named Omar and his zany days on a Scottish Isle. After watching the trailer I was ready for some laughs and Scottish scenery. Limbo is just not the movie that was pitched in the trailer. Yet, I would say, all the better!
While it doesn’t have a Hunt for the Wilderpeople comic tone or The Life Aquatic wacky storyline, instead it has heart, standout performances, and really hits you with all the feels. It’s a reminder that powerful stories based in reality don’t have to be The Theory of Everything or Roma, they can still carve their own path. Writer and director Ben Sharrock has done just that with Limbo.
It’s no wonder he retweeted a glowing review from Guardian critic Peter Bradshaw. The praise is warranted! You need to see Limbo!
Story Over Slapstick
Rather than a comedic take on the daily life of a refugee, Limbo brings uncertainty, heartache, and heartbreak instead. There were still comedic moments and awkward moments, but it let Omar’s story and his personal journey be the guide. There were times where I wondered where the story was going, but that was just it. Much like the actual experience of refugees in the asylum process, we sit there with Omar just wondering what would happen next. Will there be respite? Is the journey before the film starts a total loss? Are the worries and advice from his parents stronger than his desire to start anew? The film sits with these questions rather than provide false hope.
Blatant social activist pictures can feel like a bludgeon wrapped with a leaflet. While the good information is all there, it doesn’t mean it feels any better when you get hit with it. Ben Sharrock takes the higher road in Limbo by letting the characters and their lives spread the messages he wishes to convey. Oftentimes we turn on the tube or doom scroll through our phones seeing headlines and statistics as if they were separate from reality.
Refugee Reality
Until I learned more about refugees, I hadn’t understood the complex stories, motivations, and emotions involved in their decision. Limbo succeeds in bringing a real story to the screen and takes you into the heart of that complexity. Rather than clunky dialogue or letter-opening scenes, it feels natural and genuine.
Omar left behind his home, his family, and even his career and esteem in order to seek asylum. This wasn’t to say he was happily living in war-torn Syria, but before the conflict that engulfed the region began, life was good. His parents left for Turkey, his brother joined the resistance fighters, and he decided to head to the UK. His placement on a small, cold, remote isle off the coast of Scotland was probably not the refuge he imagined. Cultural differences, communication struggles, and even available spices for his meals cement just how out of place he feels.
Omar and Farhad – Like Jerry Maguire and Freddie Mercury
Omar is played by Amir El-Masry, whose nearly 30 credits include Star Wars Episode IX – Rise of Skywalker, The Night Manager, and Jack Ryan. His performance sells the story. His ability to levy the emotion of each scene speaks volumes. The chemistry between he and Vikash Bhai, who plays Omar’s friend and “manager” Farhad, is perfect onscreen.
Farhad’s character seems ignorantly optimistic, almost unaware of the dire circumstances the refugees are living in. Yet, as the story progresses and you see more come to light, you realize his character has faced his own demons along the way. They make the script come alive, they keep you interested in the story.
A Note on Style
Let’s be real here, Sharrock isn’t hiding his influences. And that’s not a problem! Like Quentin Tarantino famously said, “Great artists steal. They don’t do homages.” Now, that’s not to say Sharrock is parodying anyone, but you can definitely see the influences.
Long takes, almost awkwardly long takes, permeate the film. This choice was intentional, and it definitely reinforces the barren nothingness of Omar’s surroundings. The cinematography, specifically sweeps, pans, and stable tripod shots, felt reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film. And again, this isn’t a bad thing, just a very intentional stylistic choice. I liked the style of the film, I loved the color choice and shot selection, and enjoyed the way it presented the story. It may not be for everyone, but once again it fit in well with the characters and setting.
Limbo was nominated for 2 BAFTA’s and won 7 other awards. If awards and nominations are your key to seeing a film, that should tell you something. My take? As long as you sit down for a good story with an even keel and don’t expect Moonrise Kingdom, you’re going to enjoy it. I know I did, and it was the kind of film I thought about for days and weeks after seeing it.
Where can I see Limbo?
Limbo opens in theaters Friday April 30th, so find a theater near you and book a ticket today!
Interested in more reviews on 2021 movies? Click here!
Like to read more of what Tristan’s watching and writing about? Check out his other articles here.
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