Date Watched: June 3, 2010
Source: Netflix Instant Play
Such an amazing movie. Professor Vale (Richard Jenkins; Step Brothers), a widow, is basically in a numb rut. He’s down to only teaching one class, and when he’s ordered to present a paper he co-authored when his partner bails, he tries everything he can think of to get out of it. When nothing works, he returns to his Manhattan apartment, which he hasn’t seen since before his wife passed away, only to find a strange woman in his bathtub. Her boyfriend comes home minutes later and nearly clocks Walter Vale. Meek Walter, now shaken and confused, manages to get across to these people that this is his apartment, and he discovers they’ve been squatting there for several months. They quickly gather their things and leave, but when Walter finds them later that night without a place to stay, he invites them back. The story that follows is heartwarming, heartbreaking, and changes four lives forever.
Richard Jenkins is absolutely fabulous, and Haaz Sleiman as Tarek… well… you just want to hug him. As soon as he finds out that Walter owns the apartment, he is nothing but nice, apologetic, and friendly. His girlfriend Zainab (Danai Gurira) is wary and untrusting, and frustrated with Tarek for being so friendly with Walter. Eventually, Tarek begins breaking Walter out of his funk, teaches him to play a mean drum, and becomes Walter’s best friend. An innocent mistake at an MTA subway turnstile lands Tarek in jail, and Walter does everything in his power to free Tarek from the dangers of being deported, as he and Zainab are illegal immigrants. Tarek’s mother Mouna shows up to support her son the best she can, and… I’m not saying anymore.
This was an absolutely fantabulous film, and it’s still available on Netflix Instant Play, so watch it… like, now and stuff.
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