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The Flood
By Tom Cassidy,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Tense, empathetic refugee drama; some peril and drinking.
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The Flood
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What's the Story?
At the start of THE FLOOD, British immigration official Wendy (Lena Headey) is hailed as the best in her department due to her success at meeting the government's quota for applications processed. When she interviews Haile (Ivanno Jeremiah), a refugee from Eritrea, she sees parallels with her own estranged family. In a series of flashbacks, the true nature of Haile's journey plays out.
Is It Any Good?
Writer Helen Kingston and director Anthony Woodley have crafted a sympathetic drama that gives its two main characters believable, well-rounded stories. Wendy is given a reason for her hard-line approach and subsequent redemption and is portrayed with complexity by Headey. And Jeremiah plays Haile as a likeable character, as dictated by the clearly affectionate script. It's also a thrill to see two Game of Thrones stars on screen together -- Wendy's colleague Philip is played by fellow GoT cast member Iain Glen.
While the major story threads of The Flood tie up neatly, there are enough rough edges to keep the tension throughout. The film doesn't shy away from some harsh realities in order to highlight the dangers that asylum seekers face. Focusing on the lives of one government agent and one refugee, this movie is a small and intimate affair that sheds light on a big issue.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Haile's dangerous journey in The Flood. Why do thousands of people a year attempt it, even though it's both highly dangerous and illegal?
Wendy and Haile can both be seen as stereotypical at first glance, but they have their own complex stories and issues. Discuss how first impressions can color our judgment of people. Is that a fair way to view others? How can we battle stereotypes?
Discuss Wendy's drinking. Why does she drink so much? What are the consequences of her drinking? Do they seem realistic?
How does Wendy show empathy? Why is it an important character strength?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: May 1, 2020
- Cast: Lena Headey , Amira Ghazalla , Jack Gordon
- Director: Anthony Woodley
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Middle Eastern/North African actors
- Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre: Drama
- Character Strengths: Courage , Empathy
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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