Dreams I Never Had

Dreams I Never Had is a thought-provoking drama film which debuted back in 2017. Directed by Iyad Hajjaj and Mahmoud Kamel, it effectively dips its feet into the critical and timely issues of human trafficking and modern slavery. It boasts a commendable cast, starring the likes of the legendary Malcolm McDowell along with Iyad Hajjaj, Robin Givens, and Fidelia Grace amongst others.

The central plot revolves around an illegal minor, Layla, portrayed by Fidelia Grace, and provides an unflinching, poignant depiction of her tragic life marred by systemic entrapment, molestation, and exploitation. The narrative follows the vicious cycle of her life as she's been smuggled across the border and made to work as an unpaid servant for a wealthy family, somewhere in the depth of unidentified suburban America.

Malcolm McDowell portrays the stern patriarch of the family, George, who demonstrates a blatant blindness to the abuse and harsh treatment Layla is subjected to, conducted by those within his household. The figure of a successful businessman, George's role is a depressing embodiment of society's role in accidentally perpetuating the inhumane phenomenon of human trafficking.

Robin Givens delivers an unnerving and powerfully distressing performance as Sandra, George's cruel and exploitative wife. With no shame or guilt, she sees Layla not as a fellow human being, but rather as a piece of property to be used for her own personal pursuits. Her stellar portrayal brings depth to the grim character, making it unforgettable.

The movie gains swift momentum when Layla forms a bond with Sam, an affable character played by Iyad Hajjaj. Although a troubled young man himself, Sam manages to look beyond his realities and becomes a beacon of hope in Layla's grim world. Their burgeoning friendship ignites a glimmer of hope in Layla, who yearns for emancipation. Although their circumstances are vastly different, they are both prisoners within their own lives, which makes their relationship even more heartfelt.

Throughout the film, the viewer is taken on an emotionally churning journey that reveals the horrifying underbelly of child labor, servitude, and human trafficking. Its intensely focused narrative highlights the different faces of modern slavery like servitude, forced labor, human trafficking, and child exploitation. It calls attention to the alarming fact that such torments are not confined to the corners of the world but can be happening right around us, obscured in the normalcy of our daily lives.

One of the strongest parts of Dreams I Never Had is its ability to capture the insidious nature of human trafficking as a silent and obscure enemy. The often unseen, unreported instances are illustrated through the effective use of striking imagery and a tightly-woven narrative. The movie attempts to generate awareness through its narrative, drawing the audience's attention towards the alarming statistics of human trafficking and the gravity of this offense.

The film's gritty realism is as moving as it is harrowing. The objective of Hajjaj and Kamel seems not only to tell a story but to raise enough awareness about this global concern to incite action. In our ordinary lives, it's easy to shirk off the responsibility of confronting such grotesque realities, but artful creations like this film force us to see and acknowledge what we'd rather not.

The unyielding performances, coupled with the visually stunning cinematography done by Nicholas P. Richards, enhances the impact perfectly. The score composed by Michael John Mollo further adds depth to the scenes, providing a haunting backdrop for the story.

A critical and heavy topic to address, Dreams I Never Had has shown bravery in discussing the grim reality of modern slavery and human trafficking. It resists the temptation to overly dramatize or exploit its topic for shock value and instead shrewdly portrays the crushing realities millions of people face every day. With bitter truths concealed in haunting performances, it's a film worth watching for everyone. Not only does it entertain, but it also educates and illuminates, hopefully sparking the flame of change in everyone who watches.

In summary, Dreams I Never Had is more than a mere movie – it's a wakeup call, a reminder of the inhumane cruelties lurking in the depths of society. It's a battle cry for justice, a plea for help, and most importantly, an ember of hope for a better world.