The Receptionist

The Receptionist, released in 2016, is a British drama film directed by Jenny Lu. The movie stars Josh Whitehouse, Nicola Wright, and Lorraine Stanley in the lead roles.

Set in a massage parlour in London's Chinatown, The Receptionist explores the lives of illegal immigrants living in the city. The film tells the story of a receptionist named Tina, played by Shuang Teng, who is working at an illegal massage parlour. Tina's life turns upside down when she discovers that one of her clients is a cop. This incident brings to light the underlying problems of illegal immigration in the UK and the challenges faced by people who come to London to find a better life.

Tina's world is insular and cut-off from the rest of society, as she does not speak the language and has to rely on her fellow colleagues for communication, who are mostly Chinese or of Chinese descent. Her boss Dave, played by James Tarpey, is a charismatic but deceitful character, who is the cause for many of the problems that arise in the film. Tina's interactions with Dave are and the other characters, who are often vulnerable, add to the film's emotional complexity.

Josh Whitehouse plays the character of Officer Asif, who becomes a crucial part of Tina's story. Asif is a well-meaning cop who is thrust into an uncomfortable situation when he finds himself at the parlour. How he navigates the complexities of the situation and deals with the people involved in it forms the crux of the film.

The movie showcases the world of illegal massage parlours and exposes the human trafficking that often goes along with the practice. The movie depicts the everyday struggle of illegal immigrants and the exploitation they face, with many of them being unable to return to their home country due to poverty or persecution.

Lorraine Stanley brilliantly portrays a character named Lily, who is a regular client of the massage parlour. Her character is layered and complex, and she represents the loneliness and isolation that many in society feel, resulting in them turning to these establishments for comfort.

The Receptionist is a thought-provoking movie that highlights the impact of illegal immigration on the lives of people caught in its web. The movie is beautifully shot, and the cinematography gives a visual sense of the world the characters inhabit. The film's sound design adds to the sense of isolation and desolation that surrounds the characters.

Overall, The Receptionist is a film that tells an important story about the plight of illegal immigrants in the UK. It addresses issues such as human trafficking and the challenges of communication and social integration faced by those who come to the UK in search of a better life. The acting is top-notch, and the movie is definitely worth a watch for those interested in independent cinema.