Watch Duty Free

Duty Free is a heartwarming documentary that follows the journey of a son, Sian-Pierre Regis, and his mother, Rebecca Danigelis, as they embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to celebrate her retirement. The film showcases their relationship as they confront the challenges of aging, and the obstacles they must overcome in order to make the most of their limited time together.

The movie starts with Rebecca receiving a pink slip from her employer, who has decided to call her back from retirement to work yet another year. Disappointed and feeling undervalued, Rebecca decides to take a solo trip to explore the world, something she has always wanted to do but never had the chance. However, Sian-Pierre, sensing that his mother needs him, decides to step in and accompany her.

Duty Free follows their trip around the globe, starting in the US and hopping to Paris, London, Scotland, and the Philippines. Along the way, they reconnect with family and friends, and explore new possibilities.

The documentary dives deep into the mother and son bond, showcasing their struggles and fears. One major theme is the fear of growing old and becoming a burden to loved ones. Rebecca shares her concern with Sian-Pierre about not wanting to end up in a nursing home, and the son reassures her, promising that he will always be there for her.

The cultural differences they experience on their journey are another significant theme in this film. Rebecca is a Caucasian, divorced, and single woman in her sixties who has been working all her life while Sian-Pierre, her son, is a Haitian-American millennial filmmaker. Their experiences and perspectives are uniquely different, and these differences are evident in how they react to different situations.

Throughout their journey, the mother and son face various challenges, and crises that put their bond to the test. The film does an excellent job of portraying these struggles, allowing viewers to empathize with them.

Rebecca and Sian-Pierre's trip would not have been possible without the help of their generous hosts, who opened up their homes to them. These experiences provide a different perspective on the cultures they experience, as they get to see how the locals live, eat and share their customs.

The cinematography is stunning, and the visuals are captivating. The documentary is shot in a way that immerses viewers in the experience, and the journey feels personal. The music used in the documentary adds to the emotional depth of the film, amplifying the sentimental moments and making them more impactful.

Overall, Duty Free is a compelling documentary that tells the heartwarming story of an aging mother and her son who share a deep bond. It’s a journey that explores the different obstacles that come with aging, and the importance of family in overcoming these challenges. The movie will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the value of family and the importance of making the most of the precious time we have with loved ones.

Duty Free is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.