Atlantics

Atlantics, released in 2019, is a mesmerizing blend of romantic drama, supernatural thriller, and socio-political commentary that presents a unique and daring perspective. Directed by Mati Diop, the film stars emerging talents such as Mame Bineta Sane, Amadou Mbow, and Traore. Unfolding against the backdrop of Dakar, Senegal's bustling capital, Atlantics invites the audience on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the human experience through the lens of West African folklore.

At the center of Atlantics is our protagonist, a young and vibrant woman named Ada (Mame Bineta Sane). Though she is betrothed to the wealthy and ambitious Omar, Ada's heart belongs to Souleiman, a working-class man who is part of a crew of construction workers, exploited and underpaid for their labor. Their star-crossed relationship forms the emotional core of the movie, grounding it in a tangible reality even as the narrative bends towards the supernatural.

The film marks a societal critique when Souleiman and his fellow construction workers, disheartened by their perpetual financial struggle, choose to undertake a dangerous sea crossing, hopeful of finding better opportunities across the Atlantic. Ada, left behind, must reconcile with her future prospect of a loveless marriage to the prosperous Omar. This narrative shift from love story to migration crisis introduces feelings of isolation, longing, and a sense of suffocating inequity.

However, Atlantics truly embarks on its supernatural realm when unexpected occurrences begin to haunt Dakar after the workers depart. A mysterious fire engulfs Omar's plush wedding bed, and soon after, Ada's friends start to fall victim to a strange and seemingly uncontrollable sleep. Intriguingly, each episode happens at the same time - as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

Driving the narrative further into the uncanny is Police Inspector Issa (Amadou Mbow), a thoughtful but pragmatic character assigned to investigate the mysterious fire. His journey threads the realistic and the mystical elements, guiding the audience through the captivating chaos. His skepticism towards the unexplained events in Dakar mirrors that of the audience, further intensifying the movie's climax.

Director Mati Diop, with her enchanting vision, masterfully melds the social, romantic, and spectral storylines, resulting in a tapestry of narratives that capture the viewer's engagement. Diop, known for her tendency to step beyond genre conventions, employs a mix of professional and non-professional actors, thus imparting a raw, authentic feel to Atlantics. Significantly, Diop became the first Black female director to win the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival for this film, marking a milestone in industry recognition.

The cinematography, by Claire Mathon, is breathtaking, showcasing the bustling life of Dakar by day and its haunting beauty by night. The use of natural light to enhance the eeriness of the night scenes is commendable and plays a significant role in setting the mood for the supernatural elements. The visual representation of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, both alluring and fearsome, becomes a character in itself – a symbol of dreams, despair, and the uncanny.

Atlantics is as much a love story as it is a stern critique of social inequality and labor exploitation. It takes the viewer deep into the underexplored territories of African society while combining elements of magic realism and folklore. It offers a rich array of themes and handles them with care and sophistication.

In the end, Atlantics leaves the audience with profound introspection. It is a film that revels in its ambiguity, asking the viewer to surrender to its spectral beauty. At its core, it addresses universal themes - of love, loss, longing, and the indomitable human spirit. In a world of increasingly homogenized cinema, Atlantics offers an original and compelling viewing experience for those willing to step out of their comfort zone and plunge into its fantastical, yet deeply human universe.