Richie is an illegal immigrant, fleeing to the USA in a desperate bid to make money to cover the health expenses of his mother. His status within society puts him at the whim of others as they use both his fear of exportation and desperation for funds as a means to keep him in place. However, when Richie gets pushed too far and is threatened, he must decide if he can put aside his own morals to ensure the safety of his family.
“Distant” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
Looking at the subject of illegal immigration from a humanitarian angle, “Distant” captures the heavy weight many face when coming to the country. Putting aside the politics of immigration, the short focuses on one man's desperate bid to keep his mother alive by taking any jobs he can and sending money back home. Living without the protection afforded to citizens, Richie finds himself exploited and mocked at both of his jobs, best highlighted in a robbery where he is unable to reach out for aid from the authorities – a particularly disturbing scene as the masked mad assaults Richie due to his race. Essentially, the strength of the production lies with conveying the importance of understanding the struggles of others before passing judgement.
Written, directed and edited by Akhil Deva, “Distant” appears to be a project birthed from personal conviction. Thankfully, the movie does not divulge into the realm of over-indulgent or self righteous – instead giving the audience opportunity to draw their own conclusions. Consequently, the politically charged issue of illegal immigration is almost a non-factor, appealing to a relatable fear of having no identity or protection within society. Ultimately, the plight of Richie is a sincere portrayal of the unspoken lives of many, with Manahar Kumar (Richie) perfectly conveying the emotional depth of the script.
Given the emphasis on story, the lacking production value does little to hinder the overall experience. The film is competently shot and edited together, but the lack of experience is apparent with the simplicity in approach. There is certainly room for growth with no notable shortcomings, but the technical aspects won't leave a lasting impression.
“Distant” boasts an impressive script that captures the turmoil faced by many illegal-immigrants, looking for a better life for their family. In addition, the performance from Manahar Kumar perfectly conveys the seriousness of the situation that Richie finds himself in. Overall, “Distant” acts as an important reminder to consider humanity on every such issue before making flash judgements about a group or individual.
