Life works in fits and starts. Things we’d like to change are slow to change; things we’d hate to change change suddenly and the most. Limbo, mostly.
Omar’s current one is the Scottish countryside. He’s a Syrian refugee stranded here, with just enough money to stay and not enough money to go. His parents feel the same—but in Turkey.
We watch Omar process this predicament. It’s a subtle, verging on minimalist movie. If someone asks you what happens?, all you can say is nothing much. And yet the movie holds our attention by choreography and countrysides, facial expressions and silly scenarios.
Omar and his supporting cast nail their roles. Though life away from family and past comforts is hard, they take it in quiet stride. This lets us contemplate their dilemma—and giggle at the naiveté of those around who aren’t struggling through such a thing.
It’s hard to fault any one part of the moviemaking here, and the themes are lofty. But the resolution (if you can call it that) doesn’t fit. This can feel a frustrating send-off for those who were waiting the entire time for something to happen.