User Reviews

How many films about immigration are there going to be before movie makers realize telling the same story over and over again hardly ever works? Yousaf Ali Khan's directorial debut Almost Adult could have had a strong emotional core; sadly it is watered down by an endless stream of clichés.

The title refers to the leading couple, two seventeen-year old girls who come to London to escape the war that is ravaging their home countries (Congo and Kenya respectively). Despite the differences in origin and language, a strong bond is formed between Mamie and Shiku, both of whom have only each other to rely on in a society that treats foreigners like trash.

It is the last aspect in particular that really annoyed me: instead of crafting something different and clever, the director indulges in stereotype after stereotype. Social workers who don't care and are ready to ditch you so they won't be late for whatever plans they had for the evening? Yes. "Landlord" who steals from his tenants and therefore asks for a little comeuppance? Oh, yeah. Elderly couple who pretend to offer some shelter and then use you as if you were some kind of doll? Unfortunately, that is also included. Originality is so rare in this film that even the final stab at the government's stupidity, albeit amusing, ends up feeling flat and irrelevant.

On the flip-side, there is real substance in the relationship between the two girls: the actresses may not be professionals, but the pain and anger that's visible in their eyes is real, making the brief moments where they are apart incredibly dull (I have to say I nearly fell asleep during that section) and justifying the single chance one might be willing to grant the picture.

The movie may be named Almost Adult, but it is actually a child: willing to say something deep, but unable to express it in a compelling, unpredictable way.

5,5/10

This film is not groundbreaking in its storyline, characters, or visual effects. That being said, it is something completely fresh and well made. Mise-en-scene is often thought of as merely props, setting, and costumes, but this film adds an aspect that this film fan has never seen. Using a lack of acting experience to add more to the Miss-en-scene, blends beautifully with the storyline. One of the young stars is actually a refugee like her character and she has never been in film before. The awkward but stunning performance adds a feeling of authenticity seldom reach in mainstream films. Her dialog is delivered in a way you would expect from someone in a new country that is frightened and alone but this is done without effort or training and presents itself as authentic by truth instead of by acting skill.

Adding a final layer to the story is the poor video quality produced by the DV CAM which highlights the conditions we expect those coming from poverty to appreciate even though they are much like their previous accommodations.

This film educates and reminds people that to achieve diversity a struggle on the part of the new arrival is large and cannot always be accomplished because of cultural difference and barriers that we locals do not consider.

This film is well made with and interesting story and should be viewed with an open mind and not merely considered for its clichéd story and characters. They will surprise you in their uniqueness.