MOVIE: WELCOME

Some people would do anything for love. Philippe Lioret’s ironically titled Welcome is a testament to such people and a parable for an uncompassionate society. 17-year-old Iraqi Bilal (Firat Ayverdi) spends months travelling illegally across Europe to reunite with his girlfriend, now living in England. Halted by France’s border patrol, Bilal plots to swim the English Channel with the reluctant help of Simon (Vincent Lindon), a cynical swimming coach silently tormented by his impending divorce. Lioret’s bittersweet film pivots on this authentically dichotomous relationship. Ayverdi is a revelation; effortlessly conveying desperate, near-foolhardy determination with his muted looks alone. Meanwhile, Lindon provides simmering intensity and measured warmth. Don’t let the washed-out colour palette fool you; there’s tenderness in this rare human experience. (JH)

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