The Visit (2021)

-Written by Zach Troxel.

In this film we focus on a mother-daughter relationship that has been estranged in the past. We see the two reunite and connect with one another. 

The Visit is odd. Not much happens in this film, and it is quite disappointing. The biggest highlight of this project is easily the performances. The actors carry a lot of weight in their mannerisms and ability to showcase emotions that aren’t necessarily a part of the script. 

Grace Saif (Nneka) and Jacqueline Boatswain (Ansa) are the spotlight in The Visit. The chemistry between the two of them is impeccable. It is odd because there is constant tension between their actual characters. The relationship is well established because we know that they simply aren’t familiar with one another. The film doesn’t necessarily explain that in depth, which would certainly impact the final product. 

The Visit is worth a watch because it makes you think. It is slow. It is uninteresting at times, but at its core there is more to unpack. There are lots of things left unsolved in the short film, but that is actually its biggest strength. The almost dreamlike scenarios that take place are immersive yet confusing, and that leaves the audience uneasy.

The soundtrack is subtle yet powerful. Each scene is different in tone and the score matches those tones and then elevates it all. The cast does an incredible job with the little amount that they are given to do. There is a strong idea and premise behind the film, but the final product is lackluster due to the poor script. 

The Visit would thrive with more challenging dialogue and conflict within a more focused and purposeful central plot. The audience is not given direction which leads to interpretation, but also leads to a lot of confusion. I was constantly looking for something that would be a turning point, that would either divide the characters or bring them together. However, we are left with a pretty similar situation to the one in which the film began. 

There is minimal emotional impact for this project because we do not know the characters well enough to appreciate or understand any expressive moments. The finale is also just a slow burn that creates a climax with no weight at all. Others may appreciate the little amount of action; that is because it stretches the mind with some creative movements that may work or not work for audiences, but either way they are worth the risk. 

Ultimately, The Visit is a film that is far more interesting in concept than execution. There are moments throughout that showcase genuine potential, particularly through the performances and the eerie atmosphere that the film creates. Unfortunately, the lack of meaningful development, emotional investment, and narrative progression prevents those strengths from reaching their full impact. While the film deserves credit for taking creative risks and embracing ambiguity, it often feels directionless rather than intentionally mysterious. The Visit leaves the audience with plenty to think about, but not enough to truly feel.

Directed by Ebele Tate.

Written by Ebele Tate & Tess Lonergan.

Starring Grace Saif, Jacqueline Boatswain, Alec Newman, Leah Balmforth, & Caroline Patterson.

5.5/10 = WORTH THE RISK, BUT YOU’VE BEEN WARNED