Despite the Fog

Despite the Fog is a gripping exploration of contemporary society’s attitudes towards immigrants and refugees. Set in Italy and directed by Goran Paskaljevic, the movie provides a visceral commentary on the global refugee crisis. With stellar performances from Donatella Finocchiaro, Giorgio Tirabassi, Ali Mousa Sarhan, and Francesco Acquaroli, the film offers a raw and heart-rending depiction of the humanitarian issue at hand.

At the heart of the story is a young refugee child, played brilliantly by Ali Mousa Sarhan, who is struggling to stay alive in desolate conditions by a lake in Italy. In a haunting echo of the real-life tragedies faced by countless refugees across the globe, the young boy wrestles with his day-to-day survival, battling both the physical elements and a society that's slowly turning its back on him.

Despite the grim reality our young protagonist finds himself in, the film also provides slivers of hope. Enter a middle-aged restaurant manager, portrayed with conviction by Giorgio Tirabassi. After coming across the freezing and helpless young refugee by the lake, the manager, in a moment of compassion, decides to shelter the boy. This act ignites the central conflict of the film, stirring a myriad of reactions within his family and the surrounding community.

Donatella Finocchiaro, as the manager’s wife, delivers a performance that puts a familiar face to the prejudices and xenophobia flaring up across their community. This doesn't stem from a place of evil, malicious intent, but from her fears and concerns surrounding the safety of her family. It’s a conflict many have grappled with in contemporary society - the tug-of-war between empathy for the less fortunate and the instinct to protect one's own.

Francesco Acquaroli plays the role of a local policeman, navigating his own moral dilemmas in the escalating situation. He is the embodiment of the law on one hand, while on the other, he’s a person questioning the fairness and humanitarian aspects of the law he upholds.

Despite the Fog uses this microcosm - a small Italian community - to explore a much larger, global issue, painting a vivid and honest picture of societal attitudes towards refugees and immigrants. Paskaljevic, known for his cinematic prowess in dealing with complex social issues, skillfully leads the cast through this intricate narrative web, ensuring the film explores its themes with sensitivity and compassion, but without pulling any punches.

Instead of hiding behind platitudes and superficial sentimentality, the film stares into the grim and unpleasant realities of the issue. The characters are vividly drawn, showing a range of attitudes towards the young protagonist – from the sympathetic manager and his conflicted wife, to the villagers whose fear and hatred manifest in ugly ways. These characters and their interactions examine the sweeping spectrum of responses to the refugee crisis, from empathy and kindness, to fear and outright hostility.

The fog in the film’s title serves as a metaphor for the hazy and complex attitudes surrounding the issue. It's not just a physical hurdle for our young protagonist, but also represents the moral and cultural fog that societies across the world are trying to navigate. It is a poignant reminder of the difficulty in seeing our way through to accepting and embracing those who need our assistance.

One of the strengths of Despite the Fog is its strong, layered & emotive performances. Ali Mousa Sarhan, as the young refugee, offers a powerful portrayal marked by understated poignancy. Finocchiaro, Tirabassi, and Acquaroli are equally compelling, each bringing depth to their multifaceted characters.

Through the progression of the film, the director doesn't take us down a singular path, neither does he suggest a straightforward solution to the refugee crisis. Instead, raw, moving performances are blended with beautifully shot scenes of a fog-drenched Italian backdrop, driving home the urgency and complexity of the narrative.

Despite the Fog is a thought-provoking film that brings the harsh reality of the refugee crisis to the forefront. It prompts viewers to confront their own attitudes and prejudices, while also starting important dialogues around the issue. It is a cinematic experience that engages both the heart and the mind, advocating for empathy, understanding, and ultimately, humanity.