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Foreign Land is a 2016 drama film that follows the journey of two Mexican siblings, Memo (Jeffrey Licon) and Delia (Alex Frnka), who are forced to move to the United States after the death of their mother. The siblings are left with no option but to move in with their estranged father, Bill (Peter Holden), who they have not seen for years. The story portrays the struggles that Memo and Delia face as undocumented immigrants and the challenges they face in their attempt to create a home for themselves in an unfamiliar country.

The movie starts with a scene where Memo, a budding musician, is riding his bicycle in his Mexican neighborhood, with his music blasting through his earphones. However, his world comes crashing down when he learns that his mother has passed away. His father Bill comes to Mexico to collect his children and take them to the United States. Memo and Delia find themselves in a completely new world, with a language they do not understand, and where they must learn how to adapt to an entirely new culture.

Their father Bill is shown to be a man of few words, and the siblings struggle to connect with him. The tension between the siblings and their father is palpable and adds to their sense of displacement. As they try to adjust to their new life, they face a variety of challenges, including the daunting task of enrolling in school with limited English proficiency.

Memo finds solace in his music and quickly befriends a group of musicians, who help him to express himself through his music. Their friendship opens doors for Memo, and he finds himself in a world he had never even dreamed of. However, his involvement in the music industry initially causes strife between him and his sister, who is struggling to find her own place in this foreign land. Delia is shown to be more cautious than her brother, and is initially hesitant to embrace the culture and community around her.

As the story progresses, we see Memo and Delia growing more comfortable in their new life, forging relationships, and finding their place in this foreign land. However, their undocumented status is always looming over them, and the fear of being deported is a constant worry.

The plot of Foreign Land is a timely and poignant exploration of issues surrounding immigration and the challenges faced by immigrants, particularly those who arrive in a new country as children. The movie focuses on the experiences of Memo and Delia, highlighting their struggles and triumphs as they navigate a foreign country and culture, but it also touches on the larger themes surrounding immigration, such as the prejudices and barriers faced by immigrants, and the importance of family and community in times of hardship.

The performances of the lead actors are exceptional, and they bring an authenticity to their roles that makes the story even more poignant. Jeffrey Licon perfectly captures the pain, confusion, and yearning of a young man trying to find his place in a world that is completely foreign to him. Alex Frnka delivers a nuanced performance, portraying Delia’s initial reluctance to adapt to her new circumstances and her subsequent growth as she comes to recognize the importance of community and family.

Director Rafi Girgis does an excellent job of creating a story that is both emotionally impactful and thought-provoking. Instead of relying on stereotypes or cliches, Girgis presents a nuanced and honest portrayal of the experiences of undocumented immigrants. The movie’s cinematography beautifully captures the landscapes and cityscapes of the United States, showcasing the diversity of the country and highlighting the stark contrast between Memo and Delia’s world in Mexico and their new reality.

In conclusion, Foreign Land is a powerful and timely movie that delves into the experiences of undocumented immigrants, particularly those who arrive in a new country as children. The movie is a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in times of hardship, and it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The film is not only emotionally impactful, but it also provides an insightful commentary on the issues surrounding immigration, making it a must-see for anyone interested in this topic.

Foreign Land is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.