Bon Voyage

Bon Voyage is a 2016 emotional drama depicting the heart-wrenching tale of an elderly Swiss couple and a young refugee. Directly tackling the subject of the European Refugee Crisis, the film features a riveting build-up exhibiting the innate human capacity for empathy, kindness, and acknowledgment of shared tragedies.

One of the leading roles is played by Stefan Gubser, known for his work in Swiss television, who gives a soulful performance as Andre, a retired pensioner leading a quiet life on a recreational boat alongside his wife, Maret, portrayed by Annelore Sarbach. The couple's tranquil Swiss existence is disrupted when they encounter a young man desperately clinging to the edge of their boat. This man is Farid, played by Jay Abdo - a Syrian refugee fleeing from the clutches of a war-torn country.

The movie opens with a peaceful scene of Andre and Maret enjoying their retirement on Lake Geneva, setting a harmonic contrast to the turbulent situations to follow. Their relatively secluded life abruptly changes when they find Farid hiding on their boat. They help him out of the water, and the couple is left to confront their personal ethics in whether they should lend a helping hand to this scared stranger.

The three main characters captivate viewers with the breadth of their performances. Stefan Gubser's Andre, though taken by surprise, is quick to adapt and assist - showing a profound understanding of Farid's plight. Annelore Sarbach's Maret, initially very apprehensive and fearful, slowly warms up to Farid, and the character develops a sense of empathy and perspective. Jay Abdo portrays himself as Farid convincingly, highlighting the vulnerability, fear, courage, and desperation that often come with the refugee experience.

The setting of the film is noteworthy - drawing viewers in with beautiful views of Lake Geneva, and the scenes on the boat add a unique intimate perspective to the storyline. This confined yet scenic setting exploits the intensity, the fear, the compassion, and the camaraderie that eventually develops between the Swiss couple and the Syrian refugee.

The film, directed by Marc Wilkins, subtly addresses the pressing and challenging issue of the Syrian refugee crisis. It brings to light the human side of the crisis that is often overlooked in political discussions - the lives of ordinary people displaced due to circumstances beyond their control. By making Farid a full, complex character, the film challenges the audience's prejudices, eventually making Farid's narrative as engrossing as Andre and Maret's.

Bon Voyage cleverly showcases the culture clash and initial fear of the unknown between the elderly Swiss couple and the young Syrian refugee. However, the film is not just about the refugee crisis or how it affects the European residents. At its core, Bon Voyage is a film about humanity and the bonds that form when individuals are put in extraordinary circumstances. It gradually brings out the shared human experiences and tragedies, reminding viewers that every person has a story.

As the movie progresses, layers of each character are peeled back, giving the audience deeper insights into their lives. The couple's past tragedies intertwine with Farid's present ordeal, creating a tapestry of mixed emotions of fear, strength, and compassion. The bonds that form on the little boat are a testament to shared human struggles, and how, sometimes, shared pain brings forth profound understanding.

Bon Voyage is a stirring film that tells the story of survival, compassion, and shared struggles and does so without pretense, embellishment, or a heavy-handed message. It resonates deeply with the audience and provokes a broader understanding of the refugee crisis, pushing one to think, feel, and empathize. With its compelling storyline and excellent performances, Bon Voyage is surely a film to watch for its take on real-life events and its exploration of human kindness under unexpected circumstances.