Leave to Remain

Leave to Remain is a moving and compelling 2013 film which sheds light on one of the most pressing social issues of our current times — immigration and asylum seeking. At the forefront of the film is the lives of teenagers who come to Britain seeking asylum. The film stars Noof Ousellam, Zarrien Masieh, and Yasmin Mwanza who beautifully portray the struggles faced by immigrant teenagers.

Forced to leave their native countries due to various life-threatening circumstances, these young individuals embark on a life-altering journey to a completely unfamiliar land. The film vividly portrays their struggle as they navigate cultural, language, and societal barriers, odd jobs, and homelessness, in their desperate attempt to secure their right to stay in Britain.

The three central characters – Omar (Noof Ousellam), Abdul (Zarrien Masieh), and Zizidi (Yasmin Mwanza) – are young, frightened, and visibly scarred. Their youthful faces exhibit a level of maturity and hardship that one would not typically associate with their ages.

Omar's heartbreaking story drives the film. He is an Afghan boy who leaves his native land due to political unrest, to embark on a treacherous journey to the UK. His unwavering hope for a better life is threatened by the realities of the asylum process and proving his age to skeptical authorities, reflecting on the real-life challenges faced by young asylum seekers.

Abdul's journey is equally heart-wrenching. Hailing from the troubled regions of the Middle East, he has seen violence and terror upfront. Abdul's character highlights the mental trauma that many refugees suffer, resonating deeply with viewers.

Zizidi, portrayed by Yasmin Mwanza, brings the female perspective to the immigration process. Her struggles of fitting into a society where she culturally and physically sticks out, her battle with cultural norms, societal expectations, and gender discrimination add another layer of depth to the movie's narrative.

The film is deeply rooted in reality — the visa interviews, the anxious waiting, the hostile encounters, and the homesick, longing moments of the characters make the audiences reflect on the humanity of those identified as 'immigrants' or 'asylum seekers.'

Apart from focusing on the protagonists, Leave to Remain also introduces viewers to a host of characters who prove to be instrumental in their journey – the immigration lawyer, the group home warden, and their British-native peers who often display a spectrum of reactions varying from empathy and understanding to hostility and racism.

Director Bruce Goodison wrings out excellent performances from the young lead actors, who were themselves immigrants. Their real-life experiences are visible in their compelling portrayals, making the film both authentic and powerful. Goodison brilliantly walks a fine line in presenting a balanced perspective, showing reality without wallowing in self-pity.

The cinematography of Leave to Remain adds another level to its storytelling. Shifting from the drab, grey tones representing the cold bureaucracy of immigration offices to the vibrant mise-en-scene signifying the characters' fond memories of their home countries, the imagery tries to mirror the emotional roller-coaster of the protagonists.

Despite dealing with such heavy topics, Leave to Remain ultimately carries a thread of optimism. It serves as a crucial reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. As the film unfolds, the viewer can't help but empathize with the characters and their journey.

In conclusion, Leave to Remain is a profound and thought-provoking film that critically examines the trials and tribulations faced by underage immigrants in their quest for asylum. It is a powerful commentary on the state of global displacement, and an intimate exploration of the human cost of immigration — all seen through the eyes of young, displaced individuals looking for a place to call home. A blend of sincere performances, honest storytelling, and a directorial finesse that serves as a fitting tribute to its hard-hitting theme, Leave to Remain is not just a movie, but an emotional journey that leaves the viewer contemplating long after the credits roll.