A Unique Tale of Finding Identity

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MOVIE REVIEW
Fremont
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Babak Jalali
Writer(s): Carolina Cavalli, Babak Jalali
Cast: Anaita Wali Zada, Jeremy Allen White, Gregg Turkington, Hilda Schmelling, Siddique Ahmed, Taban Ibraz
Where To Watch: Now on Digital (www.musicboxfilms.com); on DVD/Blu-ray December 12, 2023; pre-order your copy here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: FREMONT is unlike anything I’ve seen before; it feels like embarking on a cinematic treasure hunt, where the prize is a rich, understated narrative that defies the typical fanfare of today’s movie scene. Director and co-writer Babak Jalali brings a refreshing blend of subtlety and depth to this indie feature.

Babak Jalali’s FREMONT isn't your average film; it's a carefully crafted story that resonates with the soul. Jalali weaves a poignant tale that transcends the usual immigrant narrative. At the heart of FREMONT is Donya (Anaita Wali Zada,) an Afghan woman whose journey to America takes her to an unlikely yet symbolic workplace—a fortune cookie factory in San Francisco. This setting becomes the stage for her quest for identity, offering a lens through which we view her struggles and aspirations. Jalali's directorial lens captures a universal story of seeking belonging.

The film's minimalist aesthetic is a masterful choice, allowing the emotional depth of the story to shine through. Cinematographer Laura Valladao's black-and-white visuals are more than just a stylistic choice; they act as a narrative device, enriching the film's thematic layers. This visual storytelling is a testament to the burgeoning world of independent cinema, where substance reigns over glitz. These choices allow you to focus more on the story than other distractions. The cinematography in FREMONT is a crucial element of its storytelling. The black-and-white imagery and unique format lend the film a timeless, ethereal quality. This unconventional approach might initially disorient but ultimately enriches the emotional journey of Donya's story.

FREMONT takes its time, favoring a pace that allows viewers to fully immerse in Donya’s world—a world that’s emotionally distant from her past life in Afghanistan. Her daily life, depicted through routine and thoughtful moments, gains intrigue through her interactions at the fortune cookie factory and with her therapist.

Jalali highlights the immigrant experience with a script co-written by Carolina Cavalli. FREMONT doesn’t shy away from addressing the social and political subtleties, adding layers to its narrative fabric. Donya emerges as a character rich in complexity. Her past as a translator for the U.S. government in Afghanistan looms over her, leading to sleepless nights. But her promotion at the fortune cookie factory becomes a creative outlet, allowing her to infuse her experiences into the fortunes she pens, turning a simple task into a profound form of expression.

As the film unfolds, it morphs into more than its pieces, creating a deeper narrative. It delves into the deeper themes of home, identity, and the human condition. The film's powerful conclusion encourages viewers to introspect and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of life.

FREMONT combines a unique narrative style, heartfelt storytelling, and artistic cinematography that sets it apart in independent cinema. Jalali's creation goes beyond the typical story, capturing the universal quest for belonging and understanding in a constantly changing world. FREMONT is the kind of film that stays with you long after the end credits, making it a must-watch for those seeking movies that not only entertain but also enlighten and inspire.

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[photo courtesy of MUSIC BOX FILMS]