Fremont (2023)
Babak Jalali’s Fremont is a slow burn character study that lingers on the quiet struggles of Donya (Anaita Wali Zada), an Afghan immigrant trying to piece her life back together in California. Donya, a former translator for the U.S. military, now toils away writing cryptic messages for a Chinese fortune cookie factory. The film follows her introspective journey as she grapples with displacement, cultural clashes, and the ghosts of her past.
While Fremont boasts a beautiful black-and-white aesthetic, reminiscent of classic foreign films, and a lead performance by Zada that’s both nuanced and deeply affecting, the narrative itself treads familiar territory. We’ve seen the immigrant experience explored countless times before, and Jalali doesn’t offer much in the way of fresh perspectives. The plot unfolds at a glacial pace, with long, meditative sequences that, while establishing Donya’s loneliness, can feel uneventfully drawn-out at times.
There are moments of genuine humour, though. Donya’s sessions with her delightfully awkward therapist (Gregg Turkington) provide some much-needed comic relief, and the film’s exploration of the absurdity of fortune cookie messages is clever. The score is subtle and melancholic, perfectly complementing the film’s introspective tone. The black-and-white cinematography, however, while undeniably stylish, can feel a bit restrictive at times.
While the film doesn’t break new ground thematically, it excels in its portrayal of the complexities of navigating a new life, particularly one built on the foundation of displacement. Zada delivers a breakout performance, capturing Donya’s quiet strength and vulnerability with remarkable authenticity. Her understated portrayal is the heart and soul of Fremont.
Fremont is a gentle film, a slow, character-driven exploration of loss, resilience, and the search for connection. While its deliberate pace and familiar themes might leave some viewers wanting more, Zada’s captivating performance and the film’s melancholic beauty are undeniable strengths. If you’re looking for a quiet, contemplative film that lingers on the emotional complexities of immigration, Fremont might just resonate with you. But for those seeking a more dynamic narrative or a deeper exploration of cultural identity, this one might feel a bit like a fortune cookie with a bland message: pleasant enough, but ultimately forgettable.