There is much to like about this film - the acting is natural, the script disciplined. But dull. Very dull. The camera work by Christopher Ross is awful; it's shaky and unsure how to keep its subjects in frame. While the story is incredible, it is not realized here. The characters don't involve us the way they should do. Same for the editing, which is jumpy and unnatural, even jarring at times. There's simply too much hanging around and talking, missing the opportunity to weave a tale to involve us.
Instead, we feel outside the narrative, not fully understanding the complexity of emotions and motivations of the characters, other than the obvious will to survive. Mardini's story - and that of refugees - deserves better.
Instead, we feel outside the narrative, not fully understanding the complexity of emotions and motivations of the characters, other than the obvious will to survive. Mardini's story - and that of refugees - deserves better.