Exodus

Saw this at the Noordelijk film festival 2023 in Leeuwarden (NL). I'm glad that movies about immigration become more and more different from what we got force-fed in 2017, when the so-called immigration crisis peaked, and when many filmmakers tried to piggyback on the issues showcased in the news. At the time, I swore to avoid all movies about this topic for good and for all. I broke my oath recently, when I saw one that I marked as different (Io Capitano/The Captain 2023, by Matteo Garrone). And again, I broke the same oath for the second time for the movie at hand. So, there is still hope for the future that immigration issues will get a better and nuanced coverage than in 2017.

This movie shows an attractive story, though "attractive" may not be the best choice of words in this context. Still, I don't know a better term. What happens will keep the attention of several viewer categories. Despite some statistical impossibilities that I can ignore given the quality of the rest of the story, it amplifies plenty of difficulties that immigrants must face. Every obstacle can be resolved with money, making this the favorite playing field of greedy people. Emotions are involved too, given family members winding up spread over different countries. A cute 12-year-old girl being our lead protagonist Amal will appeal most viewers equally. Even professional smuggler Sam, though seemingly cold and only focused on money, proves not completely devoid of emotions, and he does not drop Amal despite the stumbling block she obviously is.

All in all, an interesting take on immigration, very suitable for family viewing. What we see happening on screen, and what we pick up from various dialogs, illustrates small-scale hence different views on immigration, clearly deviating from the large-scale human masses we usually associate with these issues. In the news media we see an emphasis on a "tsunami" of people, threatening to overflow our civilization. It is refreshing to watch the other side. I scored a 4 out of 5 for the audience award when leaving the venue.

I created this account to write this, my first review ever, because "Exodus" is a film that truly moved me. As a teacher, I show it to my 6th and 7th graders, and every time, it sparks some of the most beautiful and important discussions in my classroom. The movie isn't just about the refugee crisis-it's about friendship, survival, and finding hope even in the worst situations.

The story follows Amal, a young Syrian girl (played by Jwan Alqatami), who is fleeing to Sweden to reunite with her family. Along the way, she unexpectedly teams up with Sam (Ashrof Barhom), a smuggler who, at first, seems like the last person she should trust. But as they journey through Europe together, their relationship changes in ways that feel so real and emotional. Watching my students react to their story is incredible-they talk about what it means to trust someone, how people can surprise you, and how to keep going even when life feels impossible.

What I love about *Exodus* is that it's not just a sad refugee story. Yes, it shows the dangers and heartbreak of fleeing war, but it also has moments of kindness, courage, and even humor. It's a mix of a thriller, a road trip movie, and a really touching drama, which keeps my students engaged while making them think about something bigger than themselves.

I honestly think more people should see this movie. It's powerful, it's human, and it tells a story that deserves to be heard. Whether you're a teacher like me or just someone looking for a meaningful film, *Exodus* is definitely worth watching.

• Anna Eriksson.

The characters of the movie are still with me days after watching the movie (at the Festival del Cinema di Porretta) I can't stop to think about Sam and Amal and the journey they have made together. I hope the movie finds its way to the masses in Italy. Some things could have been done differently, but as a film student and aspiring director, I am very impressed with the portrayal of the characters. You can see that the filmmakers know their characters, they know them in and out. The girl, Amal (Jwan Alqatami) and the man, Sam (Ashraf Barhom) would most likely have been in the running for the big prizes if this was an American or British film. Watch this gem.

The refugee crisis (especially those escaping from Syria) is an issue that is finally getting its due cinematically, first with the Netflix fact-based offering "The Swimmers" (2022) and now with this impressive debut feature from writer-director Abbe Hassan. The film follows the odyssey of a young Syrian girl (Jwan Alqatami), travelling alone, who flees to Turkey from her homeland on her way to Sweden for a reunion with her sisters and parents. But, upon exiting the crowded shipping container that transported her on the first leg of her journey, she's met with a raid by Turkish immigration authorities, barely escaping in the unexpected company of one of the exploitive smugglers who organized her flight to freedom (Ashrof Barhom). Thus begins a trek through Europe as this seemingly mismatched duo makes its way to Sweden, a perilous trip that embroils the protagonists in an engaging array of challenges and revelations, especially the uncovering of the many different sides of these complex characters. As this story plays out, the filmmaker effectively weaves together elements from a variety of genres, including action-adventure tales, thrillers, emotionally touching dramas and road trip/buddy movies, successfully depicting the refugee saga for it truly is - a bittersweet experience filled with joys, triumphs, disappointments and tragedies. It draws much-needed attention to the plight of these downtrodden souls seeking safety from an insane conflict that's needlessly displacing so many innocents caught in the crossfire, just one of many such clashes currently occurring around the world. "Exodus" is a genuinely compelling watch, one that truly deserves a mainstream theatrical distribution, as well as recognition for the attention it so absorbingly draws to this urgently heartbreaking crisis.

Such a beautiful and important movie with great actors. The girl is magnetic. The guy you recognize from several other films. The movie feels very authentic. A road movie where I got a sense of what it is like to be on the run. I like that you were close to and with the main characters throughout the movie. Maybe there was a bit too much music for my taste but it is very nice. The movie is a perfect mix of American cinema and a European one.

I saw it in Braunschweig and had the pleasure of attending a QA with the director who was incredibly humble. Highly recommended. Looking forward to the next movie with the cast of the movie.