Io Capitano is an Engrossing Character Driven Thriller with a Biting Social Commentary
Thrilling and terrifying, Io Capitano is an exciting and tragic look at Dakar's broken immigration system. What the film's protagonist goes through is nothing short of shocking. There's no way out of Dakar, but Seydou (Seydou Sarr) is determined to find one, which is a mistake that will possibly cost Seydou's life. Director Matteo Garrone doesn't hold back in a striking drama that will leave you disturbed, angered, and uplifted. The film was a submission from Italy for the 96th Academy Awards, and I can see why. Io Capitano is one of the most captivating films of the year. It's an eye-opener that doesn't let up.
The movie starts with a slower pace to build up the suspense in its second act. As mentioned before, Seydou wants to leave Dakar. He's an ambitious young man who wants to travel to Italy so he can study abroad. If educated down there, he can find a good job where he can pull his family out of poverty. When informing his Mother (Khad Sy) about his intentions, she gets enraged. Seydou is warned he could get captured or killed. He's meant to stay in Dakar and support her. Not go on some crazy adventure to Europe. The idea is not only Seydou's but his cousin Moussa's (Moustapha Fall) as well. After being chastised by his mother, Seydou has second thoughts of going, but Moussa insists that he doesn't stop.
Later, Seydou and Moussa meet up with a merchant who reacts the same as Seydou's mother. He smashes his fist against the table, condemning the idea of escape. He warns the boys, just like Seydou's mother did that they could die or be seized. There's an odd scene in the film that could have been cut. The boys visit an old worshiper of some type. He spits water in their face as part of some ritual I couldn't help but giggle at. He, like everyone else, disapproves of the boy's decision but permits them to go. Why did Seydou and Moussa see this man? How was he an important aspect of them going? Perhaps it's a part of some religion I don't know about. Apparently, the man's blessings are enough for the boys to go on as they embark on a trip without their parent's permission.
Once the trip starts, the movies really gets going. The voyage begins with the boys paying someone who has a stricter attitude than a TSA agent for a trip to the Sahara Desert. The boys then board a truck that will take them to the desert. The pickup truck is loaded with people outside on the back as it bounces around the rough terrain, making it easy to fall off. As you can guess, a passenger who wasn't hanging on tight enough does fall. When everyone demands the driver to stop so they can recover him, he refuses to do so. That's only the tip of the iceberg for Seydou and Moussa's journey.
When the truck arrives at its destination, the boys have to cross a section of the desert that will take them to Libya. All on foot. Without giving much away, things don't go well. The movie goes from a bad situation to a worse situation.
As the film progresses, Seydou goes from being a scared child to a confident man. His progression is believable and well drawn out. Seydou changes in the film but to a small extent. He's foolish throughout the picture. Everyone warns Seydou not to take this trip but does so anyway. When he faces the consequences, it's petrifying. Imagine being a teenage kid witnessing death and torture. Think of the scars that leaves.
Despite seeing what you can't unsee, Seydou still insists that he continue his trip to reach Italy. Seydou might be incredibly naive, but he does have guts. Most kids would want to run back home to their mom. I certainly would. But Seydou doesn't. During one crucial conversation later in the film, Moussa tells Seydou he wants to go home, but Seydou insists they get to Italy. It's an incredibly telling sequence. It shows how Moussa, the one who insisted on the trip to his cousin, is now the one wanting to return. You get the strength Seydou has. There are plenty of moments where he is vulnerable. He sheds many tears throughout the film; anyone in his situation would. But he presses on. To cry isn't weak but a way for the strong to restart their engines. When Seydou wipes his tears away, he continues on his voyage for a better life.
Io Capitano is an engrossing look into the oppressive immigration system in Dakar. It's a film where you don't want it to end. But it does so abruptly. It leaves much open for interpretation and will have you discussing what happens after the ending with your friends.
Io Capitano will be playing in select theaters on February 23, March 1, and March 8. Check your local listing to see if it’s playing near you.
