WELCOME

Bilal (Firat Ayverdi) is just 17 and has already made a three-month journey when we first encounter him at Calais. His ultimate goal is London, where he dreams of a reunion with the girl he loves.

When his attempt to stow away on a truck is thwarted his next plan is to swim the Channel. He takes lessons from gruff swimming instructor Simon (Vincent Lindon) who starts to feel responsible for the boy. Initially we are not sure if Simon is motivated by compassion or the desire to impress his ex-wife Marion (Dana).

The balance of Welcome increasingly tips towards Simon’s story but along the way there are some heavy-handed but effective attacks on France’s hostility to the immigrants in their cities.

VERDICT 3/5

(Cert 15; 105 mins)