Movie Review: Limbo

Limbo a Focus Features film hits theaters Friday, April 30, 2021.

This is probably one of the hardest movie reviews that I have written. I didn’t love Limbo, but I also didn’t dislike Limbo—my feelings are in actual limbo in regards to the film. You really want to watch this movie when you’re wide awake and not later at night. With much of the film being silent and you having to watch expressions to get details it’s one you have to really pay attention to.

What I thought about Focus Features film Limbo

Limbo is a wry and poignant observation of the refugee experience. The film is set on a fictional remote Scottish island. The film is centered around Omar (El-Masry) a young Syrian musician. Limbo reminded me of Napoleon Dynamite with it’s dry but comedic style and muted performances.

It was impressive how much could be said without saying hardly anything at all. The delivery and expressions of the case really is what keeps you intrigued with the movie. However, like mentioned above the overtone is definitely that of Napoleon Dynamite and if you didn’t care for that movie this one will most likely fall short for you as well.

Omar hardly ever shows any emotion, in fact he’s completely dry throughout the film. Omar is joined by his roommate, Farhad (Bhai) who is by far my favorite character in the entire film. Limbo is set against the bleak Scottish countryside, and the landscape is captured in monotone hues.

Limbo focus on the refugee experience, with all the good and bad that comes with it. You learn that while there are plenty of negatives associated with it, poor living conditions, racism…etc, there are also some good like the development of great friendships and dream development.

Limbo Synopsis

Limbo is a wry and poignant observation of the refugee experience, set on a fictional remote Scottish island, where a group of new arrivals await the results of their asylum claims. It centers on Omar (El-Masry), a young Syrian musician who is burdened by his grandfather’s oud, which he has carried all the way from his homeland.

Director: Ben Sharrock

Producers: Irune Gurtubai and Angus Lamont

Cast: Amir El-Masry, Vikash Bhai, Ola Orebiyi, Kwabena Ansah, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Kais Nashif