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Far from a downer, though, The Visitor is a cheerful bit of comedy-drama with some great acting performances from its four leads. Jenkins is especially brilliant in his first starring role. He's one of those "familiar face" supporting actors who makes an impact in almost every scene he's in. And despite his stoic face and unremarkable countenance, Jenkins exudes more than enough charisma and "everyman" empathy to carry the film. The other actors are equally empathetic, imbuing their characters with emotional range and a complexity that eschews simplistic stereotypes.

Moana (Hiam Abass) and Walter

Though The Visitor tackles a weighty issue and—ultimately—provides no easy answers, it is a thoroughly satisfying film. It oozes goodness and humanity and—especially in the "love story" portion—a classy reverence for dignity and trans-cultural decorum. The film reminded me of another NYC-based film that tackles a "big issue" with goodness and grace—Bella. Both of these films revel in the good of their characters, offering the audience a glimpse of the joy that comes when people truly care for one another and uphold the value and beauty of life.

During an election year in which immigration is sure to play a significant role, a film like The Visitor is utterly refreshing. Far from a heavy-handed, agit-prop polemic, this is a film that asks us simply to humanize the issue. In the sometimes-harsh post-9/11 climate (and the constant shots of a WTC-less Manhattan skyline remind us that this is what the film is about), humanity sometimes takes a beating by the various "isms" (nationalism, terrorism, patriotism) that swirl around the ashes of 9/11. Christians have long preached (but not always practiced) the importance of loving people, first and foremost—despite their race or culture or religion. The Visitor shows us just how lovely and healing this idea—in practice—can be.

Talk About It

1. Who is to blame for what happens to Tarek at the end of the film?
2. Are you satisfied with the current immigration policies in the U.S.? How does this film change (if at all) the way you approach this issue?
3. Walter obviously learns quite a bit from his interactions with people of various cultures. But does anyone in the film learn anything from Walter?
4. Why do you think music is such a focal point in this film?

The Family Corner

The Visitor is rated PG-13 for brief strong language—a few expletives during the film's most intense scene of confrontation. Otherwise, it is a clean film that revels in the goodness and kind actions by all of its lead characters. It's definitely a film that families (with older children) can enjoy together, and it provides a nice introduction to a complicated issue (immigration) that viewers will surely want to discuss.

Photos © Copyright Overture Films

© Brett McCracken subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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