Watch Illegal
- PG-13
- 2020
- 1 hr 19 min
Illegal is a visually stunning and highly emotive drama that explores the harrowing experiences of migrants who are forced to flee their homes and cross borders illegally in search of a better life. The story centers around two individuals who find themselves in the perilous position of being undocumented immigrants in the UK. Tania is a young woman from Cameroon who arrives in the UK with her young son, Zola. Fleeing persecution in her home country, Tania has a heartbreaking backstory that is revealed over the course of the film. She is seeking asylum, but the process is extremely difficult, and she is eventually forced to go underground and live as a 'ghost' in order to avoid deportation.
Aryan is a young man from Syria who is also seeking asylum in the UK. He finds himself taking on odd jobs and living in a squalid apartment with other undocumented immigrants. He dreams of being reunited with his girlfriend, who he had to leave behind when he fled his war-torn country. Aryan is also a talented artist, and his artwork becomes a powerful symbol of hope and resistance throughout the film.
The two characters' paths eventually converge when Tania and Zola are evicted from their apartment and end up in the same squat as Aryan. As they struggle to survive without legal documentation, they form a bond that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Their stories of survival are gripping and often terrifying, and the film does a great job of depicting the harsh realities of life as an undocumented immigrant.
One of the most striking elements of Illegal is its visual style. The film is shot in a way that is both dreamlike and jarring, with vivid colors and surreal sequences that mirror the characters' mental states. The use of art is also a key visual element, with Aryan's drawings and murals providing a glimpse into his inner world and serving as a way for the characters to connect with each other.
Overall, Illegal is a powerful film that sheds light on an important issue. It humanizes the experience of undocumented immigrants and forces us to confront the injustices they face on a daily basis. It is a beautiful and deeply moving story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Illegal is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.