The Innocence of a Child in a Broken World

Read Time:4 Minute, 56 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Largo
–

Genre: Drama, Family
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 19m
Director(s): Max Burgoyne-Moore, Salvatore Scarpa
Writer(s): Max Burgoyne-Moore, Salvatore Scarpa
Cast: Zack Elsokari, Tamsin Greig, Kevin McNally, Ammar Haj Ahmad, Houda Echouafni, Michael Jibson
Where to Watch: shown at the 2025 HollyShorts Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: LARGO captures the enormity of global crises through the eyes of those most affected, offering an unfiltered look at the refugee experience from a child’s perspective without slipping into sentimentality. At just 19 minutes, the short is an emotional powerhouse, striking a balance between grief and hope.

The story follows Musa (Zack Elsokari), a young Syrian refugee living in foster care in the UK. Musa’s parents are missing, and his longing for home propels him toward an extraordinary goal: building a makeshift boat and attempting the impossible journey back across the sea to find them. The plot is simple, but the emotions it evokes are anything but. Writer-directors Salvatore Scarpa and Max Burgoyne-Moore refuse to sensationalize Musa’s pain. Instead, they invite audiences into his world, showing the human cost of displacement with authenticity and empathy.

What makes this short so effective is its commitment to a child’s point of view. Scarpa and Burgoyne-Moore have stated that they aimed to inspire empathy and accountability, while reminding audiences that refugee crises are composed of individual human stories, not abstract headlines. That focus shapes every scene. The camera lingers on small, telling details — Musa’s determination as he gathers materials, the quiet moments of connection with those around him — letting us see the world through his eyes. This perspective gives the film a poignancy that resonates.

Elsokari delivers a remarkable debut performance. Without heavy dialogue, he conveys a mix of innocence, grief, and determination that makes Musa’s journey heartbreakingly real. Opposite him, Tamsin Greig (as Grace) and Kevin McNally (as Angus) lend warmth and complexity to their roles, avoiding clichés often found in stories about foster systems. Ammar Haj Ahmad’s presence as Hakim adds emotional pull, while Houda Echouafni as Mama and Michael Jibson’s brief but crucial role as a coastguard round out a cast that feels lived-in.

Cinematographer Rick Joaquim captures both the natural beauty of Musa’s surroundings and the harsh realities of his life. The editing, overseen by two-time Emmy winner Mohamed El Manasterly, is seamless, balancing smaller moments with the narrative’s more urgent ones. Stuart Hancock’s original score is subtle but effective, underscoring Musa’s emotional journey without ever overwhelming it.

Beyond the film itself, LARGO’s production is notable for its real-world impact. During filming, the team launched an apprenticeship program for displaced creatives, collaborating with Good Chance Theatre. They also created an outreach initiative bringing the film into classrooms, sparking discussions about displacement and empathy among young audiences. These efforts reinforce that LARGO is not just a film but a project rooted in compassion and advocacy.

What’s most impressive about LARGO is how much it accomplishes in under 20 minutes. It refrains from melodrama, instead trusting the audience to connect with Musa’s acts of resilience. The film also avoids easy resolutions, acknowledging the complexity of Musa’s circumstances while still holding on to hope. It’s a delicate balancing act that many full-length features struggle to achieve, yet Scarpa and Burgoyne-Moore pull it off effortlessly.

If there’s a minor critique, it’s that the brevity may leave viewers wanting more context about Musa’s backstory or the foster family dynamic. But that absence feels intentional. By narrowing its focus to Musa’s perspective, the film maintains its clarity. The result is a story that feels deeply personal and universal at the same time.

LARGO has already garnered significant attention on the festival circuit, premiering at Indy Shorts and screening at Oscar-qualifying events, including HollyShorts. Given its thematic resonance and powerful performances, it’s easy to see why it’s being positioned as a contender for upcoming awards. But accolades aside, its true achievement lies in how it humanizes a global issue through one boy’s story.

Ultimately, LARGO reminds us that behind every headline about refugees are individuals with hopes, dreams, and families they long to see again. Musa’s journey may be fictionalized, but its truth is undeniable. This is the kind of film that not only stirs emotions but also prompts reflection about the world we live in and our responsibilities within it. For that reason, LARGO stands out as one of the most affecting shorts of the year.

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[photo courtesy of SLICK FILMS, PLAN NINE PICTURES, STUDIO GOODLUCK]

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