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Hostile

Play trailer 2:02 Poster for Hostile 2021 1h 37m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 4 Reviews 100% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Hostile is a feature-length documentary focusing on the UK's complicated relationship with its migrant communities. Told through the stories of four participants from Black and Asian backgrounds, the film focuses on the impact of the evolving 'hostile environment' policies that target migrants. It explores how the lives of international students, members of the Windrush generation and 'Highly-Skilled Migrants' have been affected. What does it mean to be British? What does it feel like to be told you don't belong? This film seeks to hear these voices and inspire viewers to take action to create long-term change.

Critics Reviews

View All (4) Critics Reviews
Whelan Barzey Time Out More than simply a documentary, Sonita Gale’s film is call to action that brings the humanity to the forefront and cries out for a more compassionate approach from legislators to those who need our care. Rated: 4/5 Feb 7, 2022 Full Review Simran Hans Observer (UK) An overpowering score is sadly distracting and labours the point; the subject alone is grave enough. Rated: 3/5 Jan 23, 2022 Full Review Kevin Maher Times (UK) [A] hugely ambitious documentary about the immigrant condition. Rated: 3/5 Jan 21, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (7) audience reviews
Sue B A powerful film exploring the real impact on real lives of this government's creation of a 'Hostile Environment' for our migrant population. I'd thought I was familiar with the issues, but there's so much more I know now. Hard-hitting, moving, informative...life-changing! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/01/22 Full Review Audience Member This film is heartbreaking and brave. In the interviews with the four main contributors we are exposed to the brutal truth of how systemic failure leads to poverty, isolation and mental decline. I came away angry knowing that the stories shown are replicated time and time again. This isn't a depressing watch as it is rescued by those reaching out selflessly. There is hope but there's also a lot of hell. Thank you Sonita and team. This a film everyone should see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Great film, thoughtfoull and provocative highlighting not only the immigrants condition and perception by law and government but also human kindness. Would still be interested to see other points of view as well Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member A powerful yet tender documentary showing the insurmountable odds and barriers faced by migrants to the UK. Asylum seekers, workers, university students, all face a slew of challenges passed down and given greater power by successive governments since the early 1900's. This film offers context, humanity, and compassion, asking that we all understand that our reputation as a country of refuge, with our proud cites of sanctuary, is on the line, and in the end our similarities are greater than our differences, and those in charge need to acknowledge this. A brilliant, thought-provoking piece of cinema that absolutely deserves the awards it has been long listed for. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Audience Member I have not had a chance to see the movie and, living in Scotland it does not look like I will. I cannot afford to travel to see it and the only place it is coming to in Scotland is Stornaway! That is not exactly handy for most folks. I live in Dundee. Is it because nowhere else was willing to take it? I think that is a sad indictment of my country if that is the case. I hope not. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/15/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a timely documentary about restrictive immigration policy. The focus is on the UK, but similar policies are in place in other countries of the Global North. The film is therefore relevant beyond the UK. As a researcher of migration policy I did not find the documentary surprising, but it certainly made me feel indignant about how people get treated by an inhumane immigration system. The film is compelling and inspiring. Hopefully it gets many screenings, including at universities. I attended a Q&A at the Picturehouse Central in London and left thinking that more and longer public discussions are needed. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Hostile

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Movie Info

Synopsis Hostile is a feature-length documentary focusing on the UK's complicated relationship with its migrant communities. Told through the stories of four participants from Black and Asian backgrounds, the film focuses on the impact of the evolving 'hostile environment' policies that target migrants. It explores how the lives of international students, members of the Windrush generation and 'Highly-Skilled Migrants' have been affected. What does it mean to be British? What does it feel like to be told you don't belong? This film seeks to hear these voices and inspire viewers to take action to create long-term change.
Director
Sonita Gale
Producer
Sonita Gale
Screenwriter
Sonita Gale
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
British English
Runtime
1h 37m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)