The Visitor

Writer/Director Thomas McCarthy's second film following The Station Agent explores similar material. The Visitor finds Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins) empty, lost and a little lonely much like Peter Dinklage's Finbar in that previous film. However, The Visitor has more of a political agenda. It's not a particularly subtle one either, but thanks to Jenkins' extraordinarily restrained work as Walter, the film has a genuine warmth and honesty. McCarthy lets the audience watch Walter as he develops a necessary friendship with two African refugees he finds illegally living in his New York apartment. They, Tarak and Zainab, are beautifully played by Haaz Sleiman and Danai Jekesai Gurira; they present totally believable work. Also excellent is Hiam Addass as Tarak's mother. The way in which some directors are exploring New York post 9-11 is becoming cliche, but McCarthy shows us a different side - a city that is sadly losing its multicultural identity. The gentle touch that he brings to his directing rarely distracts and it if wasn't for the slightly obvious approach he has in the final moments of the film, overall would be a magnificent. Still, as the characters are so interesting and the performances so superb, The Visitor offers a great experience.

8 on the DaveScale.

(dir. Thomas McCarthy, USA, 103 mins)