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The Visitor is a 2007 drama film directed by Tom McCarthy that explores the topic of personal connection and cultural differences. The movie stars Richard Jenkins as Walter, a widowed and disconnected professor, who travels to his New York City apartment to attend a conference. When Walter arrives, he discovers that two illegal immigrants, Tarek and Zainab, have been living in his apartment, which sets off a chain of events that forces Walter to confront his personal demons and reassess his priorities in life.

The film begins with Walter, a professor of economics, going about his daily routine with little joy or passion. His life has become monotonous and lonely after the death of his wife, and he has withdrawn from the world around him. When he arrives at his New York apartment for a conference, he briefly meets the tenants, Tarek and Zainab, who have been living there illegally while he was away. Initially, Walter is angry and frustrated by the presence of these strangers, but he soon warms up to Tarek, a Syrian drummer, who teaches him how to play the African drum.

As their friendship develops, Walter becomes increasingly interested in Tarek's life, and the challenges he faces living as an illegal immigrant in America. Tarek is kind and welcoming, and he helps Walter to rediscover his love of life, music, and human connection. Walter feels a sense of renewal and energy that he has not felt in years, which makes his eventual disillusionment all the more devastating.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Tarek is arrested and detained by the authorities for being an illegal immigrant. The injustice of the situation hits Walter hard, and he becomes determined to fight for Tarek's freedom. He hires a lawyer, Mouna, and they work tirelessly to navigate the complicated and bureaucratic legal system. Through this process, Walter becomes more outspoken and engaged in the world around him, and his passion for justice and fairness is reignited.

Despite Walter's best efforts, Tarek is eventually deported, leaving Walter devastated and alone once again. The film ends on a poignant and emotional note, as Walter plays the African drum in Central Park, a tribute to his friendship with Tarek and a symbol of the human connection that they shared.

The Visitor is a powerful movie that explores the importance of personal connection, the dangers of isolation, and the difficulties faced by immigrants in America. Richard Jenkins delivers a stunning performance as Walter, portraying his character's emotional journey with depth and sensitivity. Haaz Sleiman is equally impressive as Tarek, capturing the warmth and compassion of his character effortlessly. Danai Gurira is also excellent as Mouna, the lawyer who guides Walter through the legal system and provides a strong counterbalance to his character's reticence and detachment.

Overall, The Visitor is a moving and thought-provoking film that will leave viewers questioning their own values and priorities. It is a reminder of the power of human connection and the need to reach out to others in a world that can be cold and unforgiving.

The Visitor is a 2007 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 79.