Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Drama about undocumented woman has language, nudity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lingua Franca
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In LINGUA FRANCA, Olivia (Isabel Sandoval) is an undocumented Filipino transwoman, the kind and responsible caretaker of Olga (Lynn Cohen), an elderly Russian woman in Brooklyn. Olivia is paying a man to marry her so she can get the green card that will allow her to work and stay in the U.S. legally. The process is long and expensive and comes to an abrupt halt when the man who agreed to marry her falls for someone else. Olivia lives in fear, certain that immigration agents lurk around every corner waiting to snatch her and send her back to the Philippines. When Alex (Eamon Farren), Olga's sweet but black-sheep grandson, comes to live with Olga, he adds a sense of danger and unease to the situation. Fresh from rehab, he drinks heavily, and eventually becomes intimately involved with Olivia. When his drunken friend swipes Olivia's passport, which shows that Olivia was once a he, Alex continues the relationship but pretends the passport was stolen, making Olivia more vulnerable and dependent on him. How can Olivia overcome her challenges?
Is It Any Good?
Isabel Sandoval is a sensitive and deft director who creates the realistic mood of hopelessness in which Olivia dwells. Olivia has many challenges to overcome, and Lingua Franca's minimal script and moody lighting help us become sympathetic cheerleaders, hoping she gets everything she wants. Sandoval's understated performance helps, too. When the self absorbed, alcoholic Alex enters the picture, it feels as if Olivia's difficult world could go from gloomy to nightmarish if she's not careful, and that suspense is exploited capably. However, little is explained here. The movie never clarifies whether Alex is well-meaning or malicious. That makes it tough for us to invest in any particular outcome.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the plight of undocumented workers. What do you know about this topic? How could you learn more?
What are some reasons that people might want to leave their countries?
Does Lingua Franca feel like a political statement about immigration policy or a story about how laws affect people's lives? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 7, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : August 26, 2020
- Cast : Isabel Sandoval , Lynn Cohen , Eamon Farren
- Director : Isabel Sandoval
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Transgender Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Transgender Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 1, 2022
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