Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving, mature docu about cross-cultural friendship.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
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Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Refuge
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
REFUGE takes viewers to LaFayette, Georgia, where they meet Chris Buckley, a U.S. Army veteran who has a history of drug abuse and was a member of the KKK. But after a time, he had a reality check and met with Arno Michaelis, who dedicates his time to helping deprogram White supremacists. Chris joined a 12-step program and began to climb out of his hatred spiral, but his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan left him with a deep-rooted hatred of all things Islam and Muslim. So Arno decides to introduce Chris to Heval Kelli, a Kurdish Muslim who immigrated to Clarkston, Georgia, and works as a cardiovascular physician. At first, the men's conversation is strained, but they soon find common ground and decide to meet in person. Heval makes the 100-mile drive from Clarkston to LaFayette, and the meeting goes well. Eventually Chris and his family are attending a Ramadan celebration and teaming up to give talks about hate and what can be done to counter it.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary does not, and cannot, promise an end to racism, but it does paint a moving portrait of what it looks like when hatred gives way to understanding and compassion. With Refuge, filmmakers Erin Levin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship are blessed with a subject who wanted to change -- and, indeed, the movie acknowledges that, without the desire to better yourself, nothing is going to budge. Chris' journey allows them to explore the process of lowering barriers and finding trust and hope. At one point, he describes his automatic-trigger response to anything that suggests Muslimness, but he also admits that his knowledge of such things only goes as far as his military service. Heval, meanwhile, talks about how, being Kurdish, he suffered attacks and bullying, but he's retained a sense of empathy and curiosity.
By remaining open and avoiding judgment, the two men succeed. (Even when Chris texts that he's about to take his young son out hunting, Heval doesn't judge; he replies "have fun!") What's truly fascinating about Refuge, however, is the portrait of the men's two towns. Chris' largely White home of LaFayette is shown as rundown, with many people out of work and abusing drugs. On the other hand, Heval's home of Clarkston is a haven for refugees and appears to be thriving. The movie may take a somewhat simplistic approach to big issues, but it's still highly effective.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Refuge's descriptions of violence. How did they make you feel? Is there a difference between the discussions of war, abuse, and racism?
Do you consider Chris and Heval role models? Why, or why not?
What makes Chris different from others who remain members of White supremacist groups? Why did he change?
How is drug use depicted? Why do you think there's such widespread abuse of drugs in Chris' town?
How is smoking shown? Is it glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 24, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : March 24, 2023
- Cast : Chris Buckley , Heval Kelli , Arno Michaelis
- Directors : Erin Levin Bernhardt , Din Blankenship
- Studio : Shout! Studios
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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