Little Alien is an engaging 2009 documentary that dives deep into the world of young refugees from Afghanistan and Africa who face arduous journeys as they seek to escape their turbulent homes and find stability in Europe.

The film offers an intimate look at refugee children's experiences, bringing to light the harrowing and all too often untold stories of unaccompanied youth striving for a peaceful existence away from their volatile homelands that are plagued by war, violence, and economic distress.

In Little Alien, Nina Kusturica, the director, adeptly utilises footage collected over an extensive period to tell a captivating and profound story. Real-life footage is interspersed with careful narration, creating an immersive experience that bridges the distance between viewers and the children's actualities. In placing these young refugees at the center of the narrative, Little Alien spills the harsh realities of life as an illegal immigrant in a way that is hauntingly intimate, often heartbreaking, but also imparts hope.

The title 'Little Alien' reflects the subjects' statuses as outsiders, reinforcing the truth of their struggle for identification and acceptance in a place far away from their origin. The film underlines their status as children grappling with survival, often avoiding potentially dangerous authorities, and staving off hunger, all while attempting to negotiate their youth and maintain their innocence.

The documentary follows a group of children through various stages of their refugee experience. Viewers are invited into the lives of two teenage boys, Nura and Muktar, who enlist themselves in an epic journey from their respective home countries — Afghanistan and Somalia — towards a promising future in the West. We see them as they traverse perilous, foreign landscapes in pursuit of their dreams, battling all odds, and sticking together to make it through.

Much of the narrative is rooted in the dialogue between these young refugees, painted with the backdrop of their dangerous journeys. The viewers are offered poignant snippets of their conversation, hopes, fears, and aspirations, building a deeply personal connection between the audience and the characters. With every subsequent viewing, audiences are bound to empathise more with the plight of these children.

The movie wonderfully captures the stark contrast between the hostile environment and the resilience and courage these young people display. We see them engage in chores that no child their age should have to, like scrambling for food and shelter, avoiding border patrols, hopping fences, and spending harrowing days and nights on the road. Yet, they refuse to surrender to the cruelty of their circumstances.

Little Alien excellently presents the contrast between the beautiful European landscapes and the harsh existence of its clandestine inhabitants. The daunting peril of their journey is contrasted with the stunning vistas of the European landscape to highlight their dire circumstances subtly. Shots of tranquil fields, imposing mountains, serene rivers and the calm sea juxtapose the agony of their struggle and underscore their hopes of a peaceful existence.

What sets this movie apart is its intent to depict the plight of the children without trying to coax sympathy. Instead, it meticulously sketches life from the children's perspective, allowing viewers to appreciate their enduring spirit, rather than focusing solely on their struggles. Despite all the hardships, the boys still harbour dreams and ambitions, and they're not afraid to express them.

Another remarkable aspect of Little Alien is the binary it establishes between the utter desolation and the sheer determination of these young refugees. Despite their situation, they remain hopeful and hold onto their dreams of a better future.

In conclusion, Little Alien presents a poignant portrayal of the plight of refugee children, charging viewers to empathise with the characters and humanise their struggle. It takes the bold and much-needed initiative to shine a light on the unspoken hardship of young refugees, making it an essential watch for audiences worldwide. Whether you're interested in humanitarian issues, cultural understanding, or simply enjoy soulful cinema, you're sure to find Little Alien a profound and moving experience.