Atlantics (2019)

Atlantics (2019)

TV-14

netflix

A poetic drama from Senegal

7.0

Movie

Belgium, France
Arabic, English, French
Drama, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance
2019
FEMALE DIRECTOR, MATI DIOP
Abdou Balde, Amadou Mbow, Amina Kane
106 min

What it's about

Arranged to marry a rich man, young Ada is crushed when her true love goes missing at sea during a migration attempt — until a miracle reunites them.

The take

A poetic and peculiar movie from Senegal about a girl who is forced to marry a wealthy businessman instead of her love interest. The latter, a poor construction worker, embarks on a risky journey across the sea to Europe. The story takes a supernatural turn thereafter, one that is unlike anything seen before in stories around immigration, but one which makes sense. Still, the excellent acting and the long takes that immerse you in what life is like in Senegal, both in and out of the margins of society, are the reasons to watch here. Atlantics' characters are believable and will capture your interest throughout the usual and unusual parts of the movie. They provide rare insight into narratives that most of us have never been exposed to.

Comments

This movie, originally titled “Atlantique” skillfully blends love, magic and the global dynamics of poverty. Beautifully and unapologetically showing the many sides of Senegal. Some may find the ending unsatisfying, others will find it triumphant.

Add a comment

What did you think? Who should watch it?

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

Raw (2017)

Unflinching and ferocious coming of age horror

8.3

Mommy (2014)

Aiming straight for the heart while punching you in the guts, Mommy is a crazy chamber piece about a widowed mother and her next-door neighbor bringing up a savage teenager

9.6

Laurence Anyways (2012)

A masterpiece from Canadian director Xavier Dolan

8.4

Girl (2019)

A humane illustration of the trans teenage experience

7.6

Delicatessen (1991)

The best synchronized chaotic film you’ll ever see

8.0

Biutiful (2010)

7.7

Jacir (2022)

A personal indie drama depicting the struggles of Syrian refugees in America

7.0

The Other Side of Hope (2017)

7.6

Beau travail (1999)

Claire Denis’ portrait of masculine angst and decaying military tradition is an operatic juggernaut

7.9

The Swimmers (2022)

Equal parts sweet and searing, this weighty refugee drama is buoyed by tender moments of sisterhood and solidarity

8.0

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2023 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.