The Times is committed to reviewing theatrical film releases during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Because moviegoing carries risks during this time, we remind readers to follow health and safety guidelines
as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and
Improbably reassuring of laughter’s healing properties, “Limbo,” the resplendent second feature-length brainchild from writer-director Ben Sharrock, is an immensely funny and profound tragicomedy centered on a group of refugees stuck on a barren Scottish island awaiting decisions on their asylum requests.
Sporting a pink cast on his immobilized right hand, Omar (Amir El-Masry), a Syrian musician famous back home for playing the oud, a Middle Eastern stringed instrument, is a recent arrival. Calls made from a phone booth to his relocated parents in Istanbul reveal a schism with his older brother Nabil, who stayed back to fight for the homeland.
The California Times is committed to reviewing theatrical film releases during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Because moviegoing carries risks during this time, we remind readers to follow health and safety guidelines
as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials.
Improbably reassuring of laughter’s healing properties, “Limbo,” the resplendent second feature-length brainchild from writer-director Ben Sharrock, is an immensely funny and profound tragicomedy centered on a group of refugees stuck on a barren Scottish island awaiting decisions on their asylum requests.
Sporting a pink cast on his immobilized right hand, Omar (Amir El-Masry), a Syrian musician famous back home for playing the oud, a Middle Eastern stringed instrument, is a recent arrival. Calls made from a phone booth to his relocated parents in Istanbul reveal a schism with his older brother Nabil, who stayed back to fight for the homeland.
On a Scottish isle, Limbo breaks the refugee movie mould
by Hilary Fox, The Associated Press
Posted Apr 30, 2021 5:22 am EDT
Last Updated Apr 30, 2021 at 5:28 am EDT
In this image made from video provided by Focus Features, Amir El-Masry, left, stars as Omar and Vikash Bhai stars as Farhad in director Ben Sharrock s “Limbo”, a film about refugees waiting on a remote Scottish island for residency. The film is based on writer Ben Sharrock’s own experience of studying and living in Arab countries, visiting refugee camps and rooted in the fact that asylum seekers are often sent to remote areas of northern European countries while they wait to hear their fate. (Focus Features via AP)
On a Scottish isle, Limbo breaks the refugee movie mold
HILARY FOX, Associated Press
FacebookTwitterEmail 5
1of5In this image made from video provided by Focus Features, Amir El-Masry stars as Omar in director Ben Sharrock s “Limbo”, a film about refugees waiting on a remote Scottish island for residency. The film is based on writer Ben Sharrock’s own experience of studying and living in Arab countries, visiting refugee camps and rooted in the fact that asylum seekers are often sent to remote areas of northern European countries while they wait to hear their fate. (Saskia Coulson/Focus Features via AP)Saskia Coulson/APShow MoreShow Less