Watch The Drifters

The Drifters is a 2019 British drama film directed by Ben Bond and written by Ben Pugh and Leo Leigh. The film follows the story of two teenage Nigerian brothers - Solomon (Jonathan Ajayi) and his younger sibling, Emmanuel (Tomiwa Edun) - who are forced to flee their home country and set out on a dangerous journey to Europe. The voyage proves to be much harder than they initially thought as they encounter various challenges and harsh experiences along the way. From being robbed by border patrol officers to surviving in a dingy cargo compartment of a truck, Solomon and Emmanuel face numerous obstacles on their treacherous journey.

The story is also intertwined with another character, a young Frenchwoman named Alice (Lucie Bourdeu), who is also struggling to find her place in the world. She meets Solomon by chance and eventually becomes involved in his journey, ultimately ending up on the same path as him and Emmanuel.

The Drifters beautifully and poignantly captures the struggles and resilience of those who risk everything for the hope of better life. The story is not only about survival but also focuses on the human connection between the different characters as they form unexpected bonds within the harsh reality of their circumstances.

The performances by the main cast are both heartfelt and realistic. Jonathan Ajayi gives a captivating portrayal of Solomon, a young man determined to protect his younger brother while also grappling with his own trauma and guilt. Lucie Bourdeu brings an earnestness and vulnerability to her role as Alice, who finds purpose in helping others despite her own struggles. Tia Bannon, as Sian - a British aid worker - delivers a touching performance as she helps Solomon and Emmanuel navigate the challenges they face.

Additionally, the film's cinematography beautifully captures the different landscapes and settings that the characters pass through, from the lush forests of France to the barren deserts of Morocco. The use of natural light and the handheld camera work also adds to the film's raw and authentic feel.

Overall, The Drifters is a poignant and powerful film that sheds light on the lives of those who are forced to make dangerous journeys to escape their circumstances. The film's focus on human connection and resilience is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This thought-provoking film will leave a lasting impression on viewers and remind us of the importance of empathy and understanding.

The Drifters is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.