Le Havre (2011)

In the bustling harbor of Le Havre, a dock worker stumbles upon a human sound emanating from a container, a vessel that had embarked on a journey from Gabon three weeks prior. Destined for London, the container's voyage had been mysteriously derailed. The discovery reveals a group of surviving illegal African immigrants nestled within its steel walls. A young teenager, Idrissa, manages to elude capture, instantly becoming the subject of local media attention. Idrissa's first encounter with compassion comes in the form of Marcel Marx, a former artist now turned aged shoeshine. Touched by the boy's plight, Marcel takes it upon himself to shelter Idrissa in his humble dwelling, a decision that gradually seeps into his close-knit circle of friends and neighbors. These individuals, mainly acquaintances from Marcel's favorite local bar, extend their assistance in this clandestine endeavor. Marcel's quest to unravel Idrissa's story takes him on a path riddled with obstacles, ultimately leading to an ambitious plan to help the boy reach London, his original destination. However, their journey is shadowed by the looming threat of discovery. A nosy neighbor's suspicion, coupled with the relentless pursuit of hard-nosed police Inspector Monet, threatens to upend their plans. Inspector Monet, with a private agenda of his own, appears to be inching closer to uncovering Marcel's secret. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, Marcel carries the weight of personal tragedy. His life partner, Arletty, is hospitalized, her health deteriorating rapidly. Unaware of the terminal nature of her illness, Marcel remains oblivious to the fact that the loss of Arletty might just break him, as she is the very essence of his existence. In this riveting tale, Marcel must navigate the complex waters of compassion, personal loss, and the pursuit of justice, all within the vibrant tapestry of life in Le Havre.

Le Havre is a comedy movie featuring André Wilms.

Le Havre is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Le Havre on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.