In this world (Michael Winterbottom)

n this World (20th Anniversary edition), Michael Winterbottom

As I type this in 2023, immigration is being pushed as a concern again. The difference between 2002 and now for me is coming to better terms with my background, immigration and heritage and the quality of it all, and secondly, having friends and acquaintances go through this process both for themselves or with their loved ones, spouses and children. This film is a drama, but nothing is sensationalised. At the same time, not everything that is depicted would happen to everyone; everything in this film has happened, does happen and will continue to happen with an extreme toll on everyone involved, including those of us who live in counties that give us a relative sense of comfort, so much that we can scream our discomfort in the belief that something will change.

Ostensibly following Jamal, Winterbottom has shown a canny knack for finding the quirks and rounded edges of his lead, the budding with his uncle. It works with a natural chemistry that can’t help but endear them as we try to follow them through the journey to London. While the uncle is more worldly, Enayatullah may be fixated on the long term, but it ultimately pays off. 

Everything is complex within the scenario. In contrast, there is a particular style and flair with music and colour to show respite between the need for emotional endurance. The journey is not paved with allies or as much support as the media would like to depict. High-risk strategies and loss of life and limb are authentic for all making this journey.

Nothing is explained; everything is show, not tell. But that drives us with the leads far better. There needs to be more exposition. It can be hard to understand as they come to and fro the reality of their situation with no actual knowledge of politics. But it is abundantly clear from the start that they are refugees; they want a life, and this is the best option to get a better one for their family, 

Thai linear life they have does mean it costs a certain breadth that could help contextualise more. Bu t with a brief run time is the best. The darker moments are so superficial they may be more shocking than pushing on or allowing grief. But in a life of fragile crisis, sometimes grief is a luxury you simply can’t afford in desperation. And the toll will be in the long run.

It is an intense film, but it is, with the best will in the world, a drama citing real experience. Other films have surpassed it, dealing with the global diaspora, but I can’t help but feel that if it were not for this one, they would never have gotten the distribution they have. So do seek it out. It is informative and gives the human angle in a way that cuts through the abstraction of politics and leaves you feeling closer to our world despite it being more fragile.