The Visitor (2007)

There are many big words to describe this movie: Important. Sad. Real. Inspiring.

Walter (Jenkins) is a widowed university professor who has lived the same routines every day for 20 years, pretending. He lives in solitude, avoiding the world around him. Unwillingly sent to present a paper in New York, Walter finds a young couple living in his spare apartment, oblivious that it belongs to him.

Meeting Tarek and Zainab changes Walter's life, revitalizing it and opening it up to new impulses. Unfortunately, however good citizens, the two are illegal immigrants, and suddenly Tarek is taken in by the immigration department. Working to get Tarek out, and also getting to know his mother Mouna, Walter finds new meaning to his own existence.

It is slow paced and stout, but also deep. It's sad to think how many people might actually be in Walter's situation, stuck in the routines of their own lives. It is also sad how laws of immigration deport good, innocent people every day. This movie makes you think about your own life, and its connection, rhythm, balance, whatever you prefer... Am I really living my life?

Runtime: 104 min
Starring: Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Hiam Abbass