In this setting, writer/actress Albrecht uses her own experiences living in France, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and the Dominican Republic to explore the uncompromising cultural connections between Africa and the Caribbean. Director Herrera proves to be a suitable partner, bringing strong visual acumen to the film, creating a lively world and compelling memorable performances from a first-time cast.
Through visual cues and clever dialogue, the film alludes to the attraction between the worlds that exist within Emma. She shares her apartment with a parrot named Coco, the walls of which are decorated with traditional raffia masks. As she left the airport, she circled a bronze statue, its arms outstretched as if they were stretching out in two directions. Later, an immigrant working at the resort braids Emma's hair. During the chat Emma says she is from "France...and Cameroon". The woman replies, "I would love to go to Africa one day." “Me too,” she replied, with a sad look on her face.
How and why Emma found herself drug-running is intentionally left obscured, though the overlap with visions of another poet's surroundings means Emma is a way to make her dream of Africa a reality. Albrecht's psychologically complex performance makes complete clarity superfluous. We're with her as she waits for her flight to the plane, when security randomly pulls her over, and again when she gets arrested. Herrera keeps his camera focused on Emma, centered in the frame, her face highlighting all her fears and shattered hopes.
Despite Emma's means of escape and later discovery by TINA (Scarlet Reyes) and her older brother $hulo (Arturo Perez) is slightly contrived, her relationship with the children is natural and non-coercive. Reyes in particular is a force of nature as a girl who, when she was so young, had to grow up and take charge of her own life and the lives of her siblings. Joris Javel Where Tina Cuki's Younger Brother offers one of those authentic children's offerings that transcend precociousness, serving instead the heartfelt sweetness that kids that age naturally possess.
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