110. Drift; movie review

 

DRIFT

Cert 15

93 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong threat, bloody images

Often, when African salesmen come into holiday destination restaurants selling sunglasses and jewellery, Mrs W and I have mused about their backstory.

Where do they live, how did they arrive there and how do they make enough money to survive when most people ignore them?

The motivation of Jacqueline (Cynthia Erivo) to be on a Greek island is gradually revealed in Anthony Chen's Drift.

It appears that she has no money, sleeps rough, never changes her clothes, and seems to have no friends.

It is also clear that she is afraid, running away whenever approached, especially by an African man who is trying to help her.

Gradually, her past is filled in through flashbacks, and we see glimpses of fun times in London with a friend and then a visit to her home in Liberia.

It turns out that she is the daughter of a high-ranking minister in the West African country where a violent coup ended Charles Taylor's dictatorship.

But before we reach the reason for her post-traumatic stress disorder, Jacqueline creates an unlikely bond with an American tourist guide (Alia Shawkat).

Drift is a slow-burn movie and Erivo brings a delicate balance to her character, occasionally bringing out her liveliest features from the subdued, insecure person she has become.

Shawkat brings great empathy to her new friend, who gently tries to help her through her crisis.

However, while Drift is original and engaging, it leaves too many unanswered questions, and that is why I have not marked it higher.

Reasons to watch: Stunning finale

Reasons to avoid: Slow build-up

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: Yes

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 6.5/10

Did you know? Former professional football striker George Weah was sworn in as president on January 22, 2018, marking Liberia's first fully democratic transition in 74 years.

The final word. Anthony Chen: "It's the first time in a long time that I felt such an honest earthiness to a character. There was a sudden roundedness and I felt compelled to tell this story." Eye For Film

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