The Visitor (2007 feature film)

The Visitor is a 2007 American independent drama film directed by Thomas McCarthy. It stars Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira, and Hiam Abbass.

The film tells the story of Walter Vale (Jenkins), a widowed economics professor from Connecticut who travels to New York City to attend an academic conference. Upon visiting his long-unused apartment, he discovers Tarek (Sleiman), a Syrian musician, and his Senegalese girlfriend, Zainab (Gurira), living there illegally.

Walter, initially reluctant, allows the couple to stay, forming an unexpected bond with Tarek through music, specifically the djembe. He learns to play the instrument and begins to find renewed purpose and connection in his life.

However, their newfound harmony is disrupted when Tarek is arrested and detained by immigration authorities due to visa issues. Walter becomes increasingly involved in Tarek's case, advocating for his release and witnessing the bureaucratic complexities and injustices of the post-9/11 immigration system. He also connects with Tarek's mother, Mouna (Abbass), a Palestinian woman living in Michigan, further deepening his empathy and understanding.

The Visitor explores themes of cultural understanding, immigration, the search for connection, loss, and the transformative power of human interaction. It received critical acclaim, particularly for Jenkins's performance, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. The film is considered a thoughtful and moving commentary on contemporary American society and the challenges faced by immigrants.