Where to Watch in
Free
Plot
In the heartrending tale of 'Welcome', we follow the odyssey of Bilal, a tenacious Kurdish teen from Iraq. At a tender age of 17, Bilal embarks on a transcontinental journey filled with trials and tribulations, crossing the rugged terrains of the Middle East and Europe. His destination? England - the home of his cherished love, Mina, who lives there with her family.
This is no ordinary pilgrimage, for the English Channel, a daunting 32 kilometers of treacherous waters, stands between Bilal and his heart's desire. There's one catch - Bilal can't swim. Undeterred, he finds himself in Calais, France, a town brimming with struggling immigrants like him, their stories narrated through a lens of raw authenticity that paints a poignant picture of their plight.
In the midst of this immigrant drama, Bilal's path intersects with Simon Calmat, a local swimming coach wrestling with the throes of divorce. Intrigued by Bilal's determination, Simon agrees to give him swimming lessons. The two form an unlikely bond, threading together their parallel narratives of love and loss.
As Simon becomes aware of Bilal's audacious plan to cross the English Channel, he's moved by the young man's unwavering love for Mina. Despite the French law penalizing those who aid illegal immigrants, Simon decides to assist Bilal. But the road to a happy ending is marred by treachery when a neighbor reports Simon to authorities.
'Welcome' is a powerful narrative, masterfully blending documentary austerity with a minimalist style, resulting in an emotionally-charged experience. Through brilliant performances, it captures the stark reality of the immigrant experience and the unyielding power of love.
Where to watch Welcome?
Welcome is a drama movie featuring Vincent Lindon and directed by Philippe Lioret.
Welcome is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.