Character-driven deadpan tale of longing
Fremont (M, 91 mins) Directed by Babak Jalali Reviewed by James Croot ****
Fans of the character-driven cinema of Jim Jarmusch and Hal Hartley should definitely check out this engaging, endearing and eccentric tale of an Afghan-born fortune cookie company worker.
Now viewed as a traitor at home for her former work as a translator for the US military, Donya (Anaita Wali Zada) has been living in the Californian city of the film’s title since fleeing Kabul on an evacuation flight after the Taliban returned.
Blighted by insomnia, she’s also chided by co-worker Joanna (Hilda Schemlling) for possessing only a single bed, dismissing her protests that it’s because it is the only size that fits in her tiny apartment.
“It doesn’t invite the possibility of company,” the serial blind-dater observes.
But it’s sleep, rather than romance, that Donya craves, even taking up neighbour Salim’s (Siddique Ahmed) offer of his psychiatrist appointment slot, much to the chagrin of Dr. Anthony (Gregg Turkington).
Although dismissive of his suggestions of a potential PTSD diagnosis and somewhat alarmed by his obsession with Jack London’s White Fang, Donya continues their sessions, revealing that she’s gained an unexpected promotion at work after the fortune cookie message writer dropped dead at her desk.
And although her boss has strict instructions about what’s required (“neither too original or obvious, not too short or long, not too lucky or unlucky”), Dr. Anthony encourages Donya to see it as an opportunity to express her thoughts.
Challenged – and perhaps emboldened – by her local soap-loving restaurant worker as to “when did your heart last skip a beat for someone”, Donya decides to use her new platform to reach out. However, while she seemingly makes contact, not everyone is impressed by her method.
Shot in a crisp monochrome, our protagonist occasionally seemingly staring straight back at us, Iranian-born film-maker Babak Jalali’s (Radio Dreams) deliberately understated drama (co-written with Italian-born Carolina Cavalli) is a touching tale of loneliness and isolation.
Its tone is set by its bluesy jazz soundtrack and newcomer Wali Zada’s deadpan expression. Humour comes from the eclectic characters she encounters and drama from some truly unexpected twists and turns.
Yes, in the final 20 minutes there’s a cameo from one of the hottest actors around, but his performance is so winning, without being showy that it feels like perfect – rather than stunt – casting.
Fremont, though, is a showcase for the fabulous Wali Zada, who, on this evidence, might just be a star in the making herself.
Fremont is in select cinemas nationwide.