Richard Jenkins plays uninspired college professor Walter Vale who finds squatters in his New York City apartment. The illegal immigrant couple, Tarek Khalil and Zainab, rented the apartment unaware it belonged to someone else.
Vale feels guilty about tossing them on the street and asks them to stay until they can find another place. Tarek plays drums and Zainab sells jewelry on the street. The dowdy professor ends up charmed by the couple, especially the friendly drummer.
Returning to an empty apartment, Vale taps a few beats on Tarek's drum and gets "caught." Tarek grins and shows the stodgy white guy some beats.
Music lightens Vales heart and he begins to hang out with Tarek. They travel to a park and play with a group of drummers. On their way back to Zainab, the subway gate catches on something and Tarek gets arrested. As an illegal immigrant he's placed in detention.
The professor tries to get him a lawyer and help him out, but the lawyer seems quite distracted with other clients. Zainab moves out and Tarek's mother stops by looking for him. Vale offers to let her stay in her son's room and they become friends as well.
These actors made me feel like I could just phone up and they'd be there. Their obvious and subtle flaws kept my eyes on screen and the exotic musical sounds drew me into their stories. Most of the times I've seen New York City on TV and film, it seemed dark, not here. The city gleamed with vibrant streets and green parks.
Please pick up this great character driven drama. Look for the DVD in Bandon, Coos Bay, Coquille and North Bend.
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0857191/
Buy the DVD from Amazon: The Visitor
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