By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.25 cats
Director: Ben Sharrock
Starring: Amir El-Masry | Grace Chilton | Kwabena Ansah | Vikash Bhai
Country: united_kingdom
Year: 2021
Running time: 103
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9138170
Chris says: “A group of Middle-Eastern and African men are stranded in a refugee camp off the coast of Scotland. Our protagonist, Omar, is a musician from Syria and carries his oud wherever he goes. The refugees spend their time watching bootleg DVDs of FRIENDS and attending classes such as ‘Cultural Awareness 101’ (which provides one of the funniest opening scenes [feat. Sidse Babett Knudsen THE DUKE OF BURGUNDY] I’ve seen in ages.) It all sounds terminally quirky, and it almost is—until you take in the painterly landscapes, the subtle attention to detail and the gradual deepening of character and acknowledgement of the situation’s long term implications. Although deadpan and occasionally silly, LIMBO ends up in a place of both warmth and great catharsis. 4 cats
“TIFF 2020 Reviews”
Michael says: “I’m quite intrigued by young filmmaker Ben Sharrock. Ben’s sophomore feature film LIMBO, was awarded the Cannes Film Festival ‘Official Selection 2020’ label before having it’s World Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival, followed by a European Premiere at San Sebastian IFF where it won the TCM Youth Jury Award. It’s an adeptly written, beautifully shot film about immigrant refugees awaiting word on their asylum requests in the desolate coast of Scotland. His first feature, the zero budget PIKADERO, is about a young, broke couple living in Spain during the economic crisis, looking for a place to consummate their relationship because they both live at home with their parents. Sharrock graduated from The University of Edinburgh with a degree in Arabic and Politics before attending Screen Academy Scotland, where he graduated with an MA in Film Directing followed by an Master of Fine Arts in Advanced Film Practice. It’s an interesting pedigree that he uses with distinction in LIMBO.
“Omar is an up-and-coming Syrian musician who has fled his homeland to escape the devastating war. While he awaits asylum in Scotland with other refugees, he carries his oud everywhere he goes, but doesn’t play it. He speaks with his mother, also a refugee of Syria with his father, but far away. They all await news of Omar’s brother, who remained home fighting in the Syrian army. There have been several films in recent month about immigrant refugees, often trying to find a place in their new homes in Europe, Canada, the U.S. The gorgeous, but unforgiving landscape and climate of coastal Scotland are lovely representations of the separated isolation these refugees feel, without a home… in limbo.
“Amir El-Masry gives a low-key but powerful performance as Omar. He’s got some big filmwork on his resume, including THE NIGHT MANAGER, TOM CLANCY’S JACK RYAN, and STAR WARS: EPISODE IX: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. He’s got some great support as well, most notably as his roommate, Farhad played sensitively by Vikash Bhai, as the somewhat sad sack, yet optimistic comic relief, but with layers that slowly emerge with great affect. And what a delightful surprise to see Sidse Babett Knudsen, the star of the Danish series, ‘Borgen’ in an absurdly hilarious role as one of the Scottish instructors helping the immigrants acclimate to their new potential home. It’s writer/director Ben Sharrock who really shines here though, with that great combination of strong story, interesting, complex characters, and a deft eye. 4 1/2 cats”