Stones in the Sun

Stones in the Sun, released in 2012, is a compelling drama film that expertly explores the effects of a tragic past on the present lives of three Haitian immigrants grappling with their traumatic experiences. Set in the bustling city of New York during the 1980s, the movie introduces us to an ensemble of characters excellently portrayed by a talented cast including Edwidge Danticat, Michele Marcelin, and Diana Masi.

Directed by award-winning Patricia Benoit, Stones in the Sun is her debut feature film, which won the Best Diaspora Feature at the African Movie Academy Awards. With an engaging screenplay and masterful direction, the movie deftly weaves together the experiences of the Haitian diaspora, giving a poignant insight into their struggles, dreams, and resilience.

At the heart of Stones in the Sun are three interconnected stories involving couples trying to reconcile with their past amidst the bustling life of New York. One couple, Gerald played by Thierry Saintine and Yannick portrayed by Michele Marcelin, live a relatively peaceful life in New York until traumatic memories of their past in Haiti resurface. Gerald, a former Tonton Macoute and Yannick, a political activist, struggle to address their contrasting pasts. Patricia Benoit subtly unravels these tense memories and surfaces the couple's haunting past.

Meanwhile, Edwidge Danticat portrays a cab driver's wife, whose life takes a dramatic turn when her long-lost brother, Max Junior played by James Noel, resurfaces after 20 years. The encounter dwells into a web of disturbing secrets, which pushes the characters towards reckoning their tumultuous past.

The third story revolves around a vivacious, independent woman, Micheline, beautifully enacted by Diana Masi. She finds herself torn between pursuing her dreams and fulfilling the societal expectations of her conservative husband.

Each story, while unique and standalone, is subtly interconnected, reflecting how past traumas can influence and shape a person's present and future. Patricia Benoit's exceptional depiction of the immigrant diaspora, coupled with moments of tenderness amidst turmoil, makes for a powerful narrative in Stones in the Sun.

With an evocative backdrop of the 1980s America, Benoit does an excellent job in translating the experiences of immigrants and their children. She navigates seamlessly through the complex themes of trauma, identity, and survival. The movie's title, Stones in the Sun, aptly describes the predicament of the characters televised in the film; their struggles - hard as stones, yet resilient, shining under the sun, harboring hopes for a brighter future.

The performances of the cast deserve special mention, particularly Edwidge Danticat and Michele Marcelin who embody their characters with an empathetic touch, lending authenticity to their roles. Their performances enable the viewers to understand the struggles of their characters, each burdened with a past that refuses to let them fully embrace their present.

The cinematography is visually stunning, underlining the film's dramatic tension, while the soundtrack envelopes the audience into the emotional depths of the film. This pairing of stunning visuals and a brilliantly composed score effectively heightens the feeling of journeying with the characters on their quest for self-discovery and redemption.

Stones in the Sun serves as an exploration of Haitian identity, a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a stark reminder of the struggles immigrants face while trying to build new homes on foreign land. Filled with emotional depth, poetic storytelling, and powerful performances, this film is not just an account of Haitian immigrants but also a universal story about survival, resilience, and the intertwined complexities of past and present. The movie is a gem that deserves to be seen and discussed for its deft handling of such poignant themes.