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Lilting is a poignant cinematic drama directed and written by Cambodian-born British filmmaker Hong Khaou. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and features an international cast consisting of Taiwanese-Norwegian actress Cheng Pei-Pei, British actor Ben Whishaw, and British-Chinese actor Andrew Leung. The film revolves around the story of a young man named Kai (Leung), who passes away in an accident in London. His mother, Junn (Pei-Pei Cheng), who is originally from China and speaks little English, is left alone and isolated in her grief. Junn has become estranged from her son because of her disapproval of his homosexuality, and now, she feels lost and confused in a foreign land with no family or friends to turn to. However, Richard (Whishaw), Kai's boyfriend, is determined to help Junn cope with the loss of her son, despite their initial cultural and language barriers.

The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks, memories, and present-day conversations, which reveal the complex and emotional dynamics between the characters. Junn's past is revealed to us through her interactions with a Cambodian neighbor, who doesn't speak English, and her visits to a Chinese community center, where she engages in dance classes and social gatherings. We learn that Junn lived through the Cultural Revolution in China, which has left her emotionally scarred and suppressed her emotions.

Richard, on the other hand, is shown to be a caring and empathetic person, who tries his best to be there for Junn, despite his own grief and guilt over not being able to come out to Kai's family. Richard employs the services of a young Chinese interpreter, Vann (Naomi Christie), to help Junn communicate with him and understand Kai's life better. Vann becomes a bridge between Junn and Richard, and her presence adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, as her own story gets revealed.

The film deals with themes of language barriers, cultural differences, and family dynamics, with a focus on the LGBTQ community, which is often underrepresented in mainstream cinema. Lilting showcases the struggles and challenges of being queer in a traditional family structure and the challenges of finding love amidst cultural and emotional barriers. Through Junn and Richard's relationship, the film draws attention to the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in navigating complex emotional spaces.

The film is refreshingly intimate and emotionally charged, thanks to the outstanding performances of the cast. Pei-Pei Cheng delivers a sensitive and nuanced performance, portraying Junn as a vulnerable and damaged person, who is trying to make sense of her loss in a foreign land. Whishaw's portrayal of Richard is equally impressive, as he conveys the pain and sorrow of a man, who has lost his lover, and the determination to make things right. Leung's performance as Kai is brief but memorable, portraying a young man who is struggling to come to terms with his identity and his relationship with his mother.

The film's visual style and cinematography are a testament to the director's vision, creating a melancholic and bittersweet atmosphere. The film's score, composed by Thai musician and composer, Nittin Sawhney, perfectly captures the film's emotional complexity, heightening its impact.

In conclusion, Lilting is a beautifully crafted film, exploring the themes of love, loss, communication, and healing. It is an honest and heartfelt portrayal of the complexities of relationships and family dynamics, and the struggles of the LGBTQ community. Its sensitivity and emotional depth make it a memorable experience for anyone who has lost someone they love or struggled to make themselves understood.

Lilting is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 61.