Review of The Visitor

This movie is designed to make a specific point. It manipulates the emotions of the audience to make folks feel our immigration laws should not be enforced. When the character Tarek, who has entered the US illegally, complains of his imminent deportation, his cry that it would not be fair is never answered by the obvious, that he DID break the law and that deportation is the usual punishment. Instead, the audience is offered only the emotion of sympathy for Tarek.

All the events leading up to this scene generate sympathy for the illegal aliens. The script is well constructed. It is not a comedy. It is a political essay.

Excellent acting, very good photography, good use of NYC color.