Watch Listen

Listen is a poignant and moving film that tackles issues of family, communication, and the meaning of home. The story centers around a Portuguese family who emigrates to London in search of a better life. The family consists of the parents, Bela and Jota, and their three children, Pedro, Mia, and JJ. Upon arriving in London, they struggle to find work and a place to live, and tensions quickly arise between the family members.

The film explores the communications breakdown that occurs between the parents and their children, as well as their struggle to adapt to life in a new country. Bela and Jota have difficulty communicating with their children who have grown up in a different culture and speak English as their first language. The parents speak limited English and struggle to understand the nuances and colloquialisms of the language. This creates a disconnect between them and their children, who are more comfortable speaking in English. This language barrier also contributes to the difficulties the family faces when they move into a new house, as they struggle to understand the landlord's requests and the terms of their tenancy agreement.

As the family tries to adjust to their new surroundings, they are confronted by a central conflict. Mia, the teenage daughter, is dealing with her own problems and feels isolated from everyone around her. Her parents, preoccupied with their own struggles, are unable to provide the support she needs. This leads to a series of events that tests the family's limits and forces them to confront the cultural differences that have been creating a rift between them.

Throughout the film, the themes of communication and connection are explored. The importance of listening and understanding each other's perspectives is emphasized as a way to break down these barriers. The struggles the family faces are universal and will resonate with anyone who has ever moved to a new place or tried to communicate with someone who speaks a different language. The film also highlights the importance of mental health and the impact that it can have on family dynamics. The family must learn to listen to each other and to support one another in their struggles.

The cinematography is a highlight of the film, with beautiful shots of Lisbon and London. The camera work successfully captures the feeling of displacement and the sense of being lost in a new place. The music is also well-chosen and adds to the emotional impact of the film.

Listen is a powerful and moving film that resonates on a personal level. The themes explored are universal and will strike a chord with many viewers. It is a film about family, communication, and finding a place to call home. The talented cast and the thoughtful direction make this one of the most noteworthy films of the year. It is not to be missed.

Listen is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 13 minutes.