The Visitor

[fauxklore]

I'd wanted to see The Visitor since seeing the trailer for it several weeks ago and finally managed it after work today. The story involves Walter Vale, a burned out economics professor, who goes to New York for a conference and discovers an immigrant couple (Syrian man, Senegalese woman) living in his apartment there. He ends up letting them stay (probably the least believable part of the movie). Tarek (the man) starts teaching him to play the djembe. Tarek is arrested and threatened with deportation. Tarek's mother arrives on the scene as well. But what really happens is that Walter finds himself involved with something for the first time in years, as he tries to help Tarek.

It's a very moving film, well acted and with excellent music. The ending truly surprised me in multiple ways (and I won't say more than that about it.) Highly recommended.